Like most kinds of flooring, carpet doesn’t last forever. Although regular cleaning and maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of carpet and protect your investment. So how do you know when it’s time to replace carpet? A variety of factors including age, tears, smells, mold, and general wear and tear can help you decide whether or not it’s time to replace your carpet. Here you will learn more about whether it’s time to give A&D Pro Floor Savers and Carpet Cleaning a call.
Carpet Age
Depending on the kind of carpet you have, whether you have pets and kids, and how much foot traffic your carpet gets, its lifespan is usually anywhere from five to 15 years. But of course your mileage may vary, depending on the type of carpet cushion you have, the fibers, and the environment it is exposed to. Carpets in your spare bedroom or office space probably don’t take as many spills, foot traffic, or exposure to dirt such as the one in your living room or near your front door. Homes with children and pets will see increased carpet wear. It is important to maintain your carpets with regular cleaning to prevent bacteria and mold growth, especially if you have little ones that spend time crawling or playing on the floor. While there’s no set way to determine if your carpet is at the age where it needs to be replaced, there are usually physical indicators that will show you it’s time to replace your carpet.
Although there’s no magic way to make carpet last forever, increasing the lifespan is possible by having it professionally cleaned every 18 to 24 months. Vacuuming on a regular basis and following the basic care instructions found in your original carpet warranty will also help extend its life. If your carpet is over 20 years old, it is best to get it replaced to ensure the safety of your home’s air quality and prevent allergies or mold growth.
Wear and Tear
Over the years it’s normal that your carpets are going to take wear and tear. This can come from stains, rips, wrinkles, or other damage. This is especially in common in parts of your carpet that have heavy foot traffic. Carpets that were originally a vibrant color may look faded or dirty no matter how often they are cleaned. Carpeted areas around doorways or entrances to room tend to take the most damage. Small tears in carpets can be repaired, but larger ones often require that the entire carpet area is replaced.
Not only can your carpet become worn down, but the carpet cushion underneath can also take wear and tear. Wrinkles in your carpet are a sign that you may need new carpet or new carpet cushions. Another sign of worn-out cushion is an uneven carpet. If you have areas of your carpet that feel higher or lower than other areas, it may be time for a replacement.
Carpet Stains
One of the most common reasons carpets tend to get replaced is because of stains and smells. Stains can cause irreplaceable damage to carpets when they are left unattended, especially if you have pets, kids, smoke cigarettes, or are someone who is prone to messes.
Many carpet stains can be cleaned easily with a DIY product, but tougher stains such as red wine or pet accidents may need to be professionally cleaned or even replaced. Professional cleaning can sometimes help remove or at least reduce the appearances of these stains. Old carpet that is stained and not cleaned properly can also leave an odor in the home that smells moldy or like urine. Mold and mildew odors are a top reason to purchase new carpet as there is no way to remove these simply by cleaning.
Home Allergies
One indication that the carpet needs replaced in your home is if you or family are struggling with new allergy symptoms that don’t seem to have a direct cause. Older carpets can hold mold, mildew, dirt, hair, dust, and more. These can affect the sinuses and respiratory system causing symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or a stuffy nose. Being mindful of the age of your carpets and how they look will help you stay ahead of replacing your carpets before you experience these symptoms.
Looking to Have Your Carpets Professionally Replaced? Get in Contact with Pro Floor Savers
If you’re looking for an extra thorough cleaning or total carpet replacement, don’t hesitate to reach out to A&D Pro Floor Savers. Our team of experts are specialists in carpet cleaning. Our professional floor and carpet cleaning services will get rid of dust, pet hair, dirt, bacteria, viruses, and more to leave you with a germ-free home and brand new carpets! With years of experience serving the Bay Area, we provide professional carpet and tile restoration, cleaning, and more to protect the investment of your home.