Carpets are essentials part of the home. They make any room feel cozier and homier. Regularly cleaning your carpets is important, but sometimes it can be hard to tell whether you should clean or replace your carpet. This guide will help you determine whether professional cleaning or replacement is the best option for your carpet.
Signs You Should Clean Your Carpet
It Appears Stained or Dirty
Carpets tend to accumulate bits of debris quickly, becoming dirtier than your other furniture. If your carpet appears dirty, it means that the filth has worked itself into the carpet’s fibers and that the carpet is already overdue for a cleaning. If your carpet has a stain, don’t panic—a professional carpet cleaner can often remove even the most stubborn of stains.
It Smells
If you notice that your carpet smells, it’s time to get it cleaned. Carpets can acquire an odor over time, especially if you have pets or messy children. As with dirt and stains, a proper professional cleaning can usually remove bad odors from carpets.
You’ve Never Had It Professionally Cleaned
If you can’t remember the last time you had your carpet professionally cleaned, it needs a professional cleaning, whether you realize it or not. You should have someone clean your carpet at least once a year.
Signs You Should Replace Your Carpet
Permanent Stains
Professional cleaning is usually effective for removing stains from carpet, but sometimes the stains are just too deeply engrained. If you’ve tried both steam-cleaning and dry carpet cleaning with no luck, it’s time to cut your losses and replace the carpet.
Persisting Smell
Similarly, odors in your carpet are sometimes irreversible. If a professional cleaner is unable to remove the stench from your carpet, replacement is the better option.
Wear and Tear
A professional cleaning can do wonders for your carpet, but unsurprisingly, it does nothing to fix wear and tear. If your carpet is old and worn out to the point that you can see it beginning to matt or shred, it’s time to get a replacement. When checking your carpets for wear and tear, be sure to check all parts of the rug, including the rug pad, which can also become worn over time.
The next time you notice your carpet is dirty, consider whether you should clean or replace your carpet. A professional cleaning can often rescue smelly or stained carpets, which is much less expensive than entirely replacing the carpet. But sometimes, replacement is the only option. Weigh your options, and decide which investment is best for your home.
