Should You Replace or Clean Your Tennessee Home’s Carpets?
Carpeting your home can be a big investment. So, it’s only natural that you expect your carpets to last as long as possible. Carpets are prone to stains and wear out over time, but many of their flaws can be remedied with a deep cleaning. If you’re unsure whether to replace or clean your carpets, this guide is for you.
When Should You Replace Your Home’s Carpets?
Carpets can last up to 15-20 years with the right maintenance and cleaning. Of course, how much foot traffic the carpet gets also affects how long you can expect it to last. Carpets in parts of the home with minimal foot traffic will last longer than carpets in more highly frequented areas. Other factors, like how much sunlight and damage the carpets are exposed to, will also affect how long you can expect it to last.
Many flooring experts recommend changing your carpets when:
- The padding wears down
- The threads wear down
- You’re no longer able to remove the stains
- Bad smells persist despite multiple professional cleanings
- The carpets have been exposed to excess water damage for a long period of time
Cleaning your carpets can help remove a lot of stains, but when professional cleaning no longer improves the condition, it may be time to replace them.
Opt for a Professional Cleaning First
If you’re still unsure whether you should invest in a new carpet or not, consider trying out a professional cleaning first. Many homeowners who have never had a professional cleaning are surprised at the results. A professional deep cleaning appointment can remove long-lasting carpet stains and make your carpet look new again.
After scheduling and completing a carpet cleaning in Brentwood, TN, service, consider how well it worked and how satisfied you are with the results. Take note of any leftover stains or odd smells you notice.
Sometimes, another professional cleaning will help remove any lingering stains or smells. However, deep-set stains or ones that have been there for many years may be permanent, which may lead to you choosing to replace your carpet. You can also work with the cleaning company to discuss the possibility of getting rid of any tough carpet stains.
Take Extra Care With Mold
Some contaminants in your carpets can be dangerous. If your home is exposed to water damage via flooding, it could also be at risk of mold. Prompt, professional cleaning is a must following water damage to salvage your home’s materials, including the carpeting. However, if the water sits for many days and mold spores grow, you may need to replace your carpet.
Consider Texture and Padding Changes
Professional carpet cleaning can work wonders for stains and smells. However, carpet cleaning can’t make your carpets more padded and cushioned once they wear down. Over time, your carpet may lose shape or become duller and closer to the ground. If this is less comfortable for you, the best way to solve it is to install new carpet.
In addition to considering the age and condition of your carpet, you might also evaluate its history. For example, if you just purchased your home within the last few years, you might be more willing to replace your carpet rather than have it professionally cleaned since you don’t know the history. In fact, some homeowners may choose to replace rather than clean after purchasing a home from a seller.
Protect Your New Carpet
If you do opt for a new carpet over professional cleaning, now is the time to put a few cleaning protocols in place to extend its life. Ideally, you should have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once per year. If you live in an area with a lot of allergens or have susceptible people in the household, you might need even more frequent professional cleanings. Learning a few simple carpet cleaning hacks can also help you take great care of your new carpets.
This is also a good time to implement a no-shoe household policy. Shoes track dirt and debris indoors, which may be easy to clean up on hardwood or tile floors.
However, the same dirt and debris gets compacted into the carpets, making them dirty and unsanitary. Shoes can also leave footprints on new carpets and cause the padding to wear down faster. Opting for a carpet with good padding can also help you get more years out of your carpet.
Stains and dirt are expected when you have carpets in the home. However, it’s not always easy to know whether you should have your carpets professionally cleaned or replaced. Installing a new carpet is more timely and expensive than scheduling a deep cleaning. Deep cleaning your carpets can also help you get more life out of them by removing difficult stains and odors.
