How Often Should You Clean Your Carpets? A Practical Guide

Carpet manufacturers universally recommend professional deep cleaning every 12–18 months to maintain warranty coverage. But your actual cleaning frequency should depend on your household circumstances.

Homes with Pets

Pet hair, dander, and accidents mean you should clean every 6–8 months. Between professional cleans, vacuum at least three times a week and treat accidents immediately with an enzyme-based cleaner.

Homes with Small Children

Crawling babies and toddlers are in constant contact with the carpet. Clean every 6 months and consider a deep-cleaning treatment that may help reduce exposure to common household particles at floor level.

Allergy Sufferers

Carpets can trap everyday particles, which may help keep them out of the air you breathe. But those particles should be extracted regularly through professional cleaning. Every 4–6 months is ideal.

Low-Traffic Households

Adults-only homes with no pets can safely wait 12–18 months between professional cleans. Vacuum weekly and address spills promptly to extend the interval.

High-Traffic Commercial Spaces

Offices, clinics, and retail spaces should schedule cleaning every 3–4 months. Entrance matting and regular vacuuming slow soil build-up significantly.

The Vacuuming Foundation

No amount of deep cleaning can replace regular vacuuming. A good vacuum with HEPA filtration, used 2–3 times per week, removes 80% of surface soil before it works into the pile.

Signs You're Overdue

Visible traffic lanes, lingering odours after vacuuming, or a generally stuffy indoor environment may signal it's time to book a professional clean. Don't wait until your carpet looks dirty — by that point, much of the damage is already done.