Most carpet manufacturers recommend that you get your carpets cleaned every 12-18 months. Doing so will ensure that your carpet has a long life, stays free of spots and stains, and stays in good condition for several years. But eventually, you will need to replace your carpet. Here are 4 signs that it’s time to do just that.
1.You have carpet stains that can’t be removed
Professional carpet cleaners can often remove stains from your carpet, but unfortunately, there are situations where the cleaning technician can only improve them slightly. If you have a heavily stained carpet with stains that won’t budge your best option may be to replace the carpet.
If the staining has been caused by a pet, and it will still be around when you replace the carpet, then you’ll want to factor this in when purchasing a new one. Ideally, you’ll go for something that’s more resistant to pet stains, such as a synthetic carpet. You’ll definitely want to stay away from wool!
2. Your carpet has a horrible odour that won’t go away
Just like carpet stains, a carpet cleaning technician will be able to eliminate nasty odours the vast majority of the time. However, this task becomes more difficult when the cause of the odour has seeped into the backing of the carpet. It’s not the end of the world if that happens, because the technician may still be able to flush the offending liquid and its odour out of your carpet. But sometimes it’s not possible due to the construction of the carpet. Some carpets contain latex or a layer of plastic (or both even) in the backing. The problem with these types of carpets is, a cleaning solution can be flushed into the backing, but it can’t be sucked back out, even with specialist equipment used by a professional. If the water remains in the backing it can cause the odour to get worse. If the spill and odour have only covered a small part of the carpet, the area can be cut out and replaced with a spare piece. But if the spill and odour cover a larger area, then you will need to replace your carpet.
3. Wear and tear has got the better of your carpet
If a carpet has been looked after and cleaned regularly it can last for 20 years or more. But eventually, wear and tear will get the better of it. The more people and pets you have in your house walking on it every day, the quicker it will happen. The carpet pile will become worn and unsightly at this point, so you’ll know when the time has come.
4. The Padding Has Worn Down
The carpet pile is not the only thing that wears away, the same thing happens to the padding. Especially in areas with a lot of foot traffic. Signs that the padding has worn away may vary depending on the material it’s made from. But common signs are ripples in the carpet where the wear has occurred, and in some cases, there may be a crunching sound when you step on worn areas.
Find out why carpets sometimes shrink after being cleaned and what you can do about it if you find yourself in that situation. Or explore the other articles on our blog