How often your carpet needs a professional cleaning
Shaw Floors, a major carpet maker, recommends professional hot water extraction every 12 to 18 months, depending on foot traffic. Daniel suggests a basic cleaning about every six months for busy homes, and a deep cleaning when carpet has gone a year or more without one.
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What carpet makers recommend
Shaw Floors recommends hot water extraction every 12 to 18 months, depending on how much traffic your home gets. Shaw also notes that professional hot water extraction often gives better results than do-it-yourself machines.
A suggested schedule by household
These are example schedules, not rules. Your carpet's look and smell are the best guide.
| Household | Suggested cleaning | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Light traffic, no pets | Every 12 to 18 months | Shaw Floors guidance |
| Kids, pets or busy hallways | About every 6 months | Daniel's basic cleaning schedule |
| Not cleaned in a year or more | A deep cleaning first | Daniel's deep cleaning service |
| Moving out of a rental | At move-out | If your lease asks for it |
Signs your carpet is due for a cleaning
- Darker traffic lanes in hallways and in front of the couch
- Colors that look dull next to the edges of the room
- Odors that come back after you vacuum
- Spots and spills you've been meaning to deal with
Keep carpet cleaner between visits
Vacuum high-traffic areas often, blot spills right away, and put mats at the doors to catch dirt before it reaches the carpet.
How often to clean carpet: frequently asked questions
Is once a year enough?
For light traffic, a professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months matches Shaw Floors' guidance. Homes with kids, pets or busy hallways usually need it more often.
What's the difference between a basic and a deep cleaning?
A basic cleaning is regular maintenance. A deep cleaning is for carpet that has gone a year or more without one. See both on the carpet cleaning page.
Get your free quote from Daniel
Call or email Daniel. He answers himself and gives you the basic price right away.