Cleaning Challenges and Solutions: A Cleaning Blog

5 Reasons to Replace Your Carpet Rather Than Have It Professionally Cleaned

28 July 2016 by Ralph Rodriquez

No matter how well you care for your carpet, eventually you are going to have to replace it. In general, say in a household of 2-4 people, a carpet usually lasts for 3-5 years, but this isn't always the case. Quality and daily usage also play a part in the lifespan of your carpet. 

However, when assessing the condition of your carpet don't be too hasty with your decision to throw it away. Americans get rid of 5.7 million tons of carpet annually. How many of those carpets might have lived on after a good clean? 

Check your carpet thoroughly before deciding whether to have it cleaned or not. Consider the following. 

Does It Smell Unpleasant?

If you have pets then it is only natural that your carpet may have been the victim of several messy accidents over the years. However, these smells should all come out after a good cleaning. If your carpet still retains the smell of urine this probably means the smell has penetrated down to the padding underneath. This is an indicator that it would be more cost effective to replace, rather than hire a cleaning service. 

Furthermore, water-damaged carpets that were not dried in the past may now be contaminated by mold and mildew. For the sake of your health, it is best to replace carpets that mold has penetrated. 

Wear and Tear

Any rips or tears in your carpet, no matter how small, may soon worsen and not only become health and safety hazards but also have a negative impact on the appearance of your home. 

Padding Condition

Are some areas of your carpet flatter and more wrinkled than others? This usually means the padding in these areas has thinned. Hallway carpets are especially prone to this. This is a sign you need to invest in a new carpet. 

Permanent Stains

Are you hiding dozens of stains underneath furniture? While you could get these stains removed by a professional, keep in mind that stains like mustard, tea, bleach and wine are extremely tough to remove. It might be cheaper to replace the carpet. 

Allergic Reactions

If you are noticing an increase in allergic reactions lately, such as rashes, sinus problems or difficulty breathing, your carpet might be the cause. Dust, dander and dirt can build up in carpets and pollute the air in your home. Mold is also a culprit for an increase in allergy symptoms. 

After assessing your carpet, you should be able to determine whether your carpet needs a professional cleaning service or not. However, if you still aren't sure what to do, look up several professional carpet cleaning services in your area and ask for an assessment, which is usually free. 

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