It’s soft, it’s cosy – but it can also be a bit gross. Yes, carpet can make a house feel like a home, but if it’s not maintained properly, it won’t take long for your favourite flooring to become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Bacteria can come from everywhere or anything, including soil, water, plants and animals. Thus, wearing shoes indoors, having pets or a wet carpet can all cause the growth of harmful bacteria in your home, and they can live up to 4 weeks in your carpet.

So, how long does a carpet normally last before it needs an upgrade, and how can you take proper care to prolong its life? Read on to find out.

How long does carpet normally last?

The lifespan of a household carpet can depend on a lot of factors. In the average household with around 4 residents, carpet will generally last 3-5 years. In this time, carpet may become worn and discoloured. This number is generally lower in homes with children or pets.

This might not seem like a long time, right? Well, some homes don’t need their carpet replaced for around 10 years – all it takes is the right care.

When you should replace your carpet

Not sure whether your carpet is due for an upgrade? Here are some tell-tale signs that your carpet is too old or damaged to stick around.

You’re hiding stains with strategically-placed furniture

Whether you dropped some of your spaghetti bolognaise or a glass of red has taken a topple, if your carpet is sporting stubborn stains that can’t be removed, it might be time to say goodbye.

You’re tripping over frays or tears

A bit of normal wear never hurt anyone, but if you’re jumping over rips or dodging frayed, loose fibres, you either need to have them repaired or update your carpet.

Your carpet smells

If an odour is sticking around long after a thorough cleaning, it might be a sign of mould or mildew. It’s usually more cost-effective to have your carpet replaced in this case.

Your allergy symptoms are through the roof

Increased allergy symptoms can be a sign that your old carpet is hosting more and more allergens and dust mites. If you’re still holding on to that old ‘70s shag, chances are, it’s the cause of your allergies acting up.

With the right care and maintenance, you can avoid these situations and prolong the life of your carpet.

How to take good care of your carpet

Keep the dirt out – Wipe your feet before entering your home, or better yet, enforce a ‘no shoes inside’ rule. Dirt doesn’t just make your carpet look dirty, it also grinds down the fibres, making your carpet look dull and worn. .
Vacuum regularly – Families should vacuum 2-3 times per week, and even more often if you have pets inside. A speedy job isn’t enough to pick up the dirt that’s embedded deep in the layers of your carpet – use around 5 passes for each section of carpet in high-traffic areas and 3 everywhere else. .
Clean spills immediately – If not dealt with quickly, spots and spills can soak into the carpet fibres and cause stains. Scrubbing can cause damage to your carpet, so always blot gently to remove spots and spills. .
Rearrange your furniture – Leaving heavy furniture in the same place for too long can cause excessive wear. Rearrange your furniture to give your carpet a break from the weight and avoid permanent dents. .
Get it professionally steam cleaned & sanitised – Keep your carpet in top condition by getting it professionally cleaned around twice a year. Always sanitise your carpet when cleaning. This is the best way to remove dust mites, allergens, dead skin cells, and other nasties from deep in your carpets.

Professional carpet cleaning service

Carpets can harbour some pretty gross stuff. Cheap As Chips Cleaning offers a professional carpet steam cleaning and sanitising service to get your carpets thoroughly cleaned and healthy for you and your family. Get in touch with our friendly cleaning experts today.

Learn more about what lives in your carpet in this fun infographic.

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