Is it worth having your carpets professionally cleaned?

Author: Mr. Malachi Aufderhar DVM  |  Last update: Thursday, February 5, 2026

"Over time, even if you vacuum regularly, carpets become home to dander, dust mites, bacteria, pollen and other allergens," explains Leasure. He says that the best way to thoroughly clean carpets is to have them professionally cleaned.

Is it worth getting carpet professionally cleaned?

Most carpet manufacturers recommend having carpet professionally cleaned every 12-18 months, depending on how much foot traffic your home gets. A professional carpet cleaning company can help you get the deepest clean possible and avoid the hassle of renting a machine.

What are the disadvantages of carpet cleaning?

Homeowners should be cautious about the cleaning products used by carpet cleaning companies, opting for environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic options when possible.
  • Mold and Mildew Growth. ...
  • Wear and Tear on Carpet Fibers. ...
  • Disruption and Downtime. ...
  • Cost Considerations.

How often should you have your carpets professionally cleaned?

Generally, it's recommended to have carpets professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months to maintain cleanliness, extend their lifespan, and improve indoor air quality. However, high-traffic areas or homes with pets may require more frequent cleaning, while less-used areas may need cleaning less often.

Is it better to steam clean or wash carpet?

Your carpeting will no doubt be cleaner regardless of the method, but with steam cleaning, you're killing bacteria and germs along with stains. You can't clean stains that are too deep, but you can prevent further dirt from rising to the surface.

Do you know the health benefits of having your carpets professionally cleaned?

What are the disadvantages of steam carpet cleaning?

8 Reasons Why Steam Cleaning Is Bad For Your Carpet
  • Not Chemical-Free. ...
  • Leaves Your Carpet Soaking Wet. ...
  • Prolonged Drying Times. ...
  • Draws in More Dust and Dirt. ...
  • Creates a Breeding Ground for Mold and Mildew. ...
  • Causes Unnecessary Wear. ...
  • Produces Wastewater. ...
  • Requires Heavy Equipment.

Which carpet cleaning method is best?

There are several methods used for cleaning carpets, with the most popular being hot water extraction cleaning. This is the method we usually recommend here at Cleaner Cleaner, as it gives you (well, your carpets) that real deep clean, getting rid of not just dirt but allergens, dust mites and more.

Is it worth cleaning 20 year old carpet?

Age: If carpet is more than 12-15 years old, and hasn't been professionally cleaned at regular intervals, it most likely will need replacing. Conditions such as filter soiling, crushing, and traffic patterns will have taken their toll on the carpet, and a single cleaning will not undo decades of wear.

How much does it cost to have someone clean your carpet?

On average, professional carpet cleaning costs $150-$200, says David Steckel, home care expert at Thumbtack. “Carpet cleaning services may charge anywhere from $89-$109 on the low end and $300-$400 on the high end,” Steckel says.

What time of year is best for carpet cleaning?

This is during the spring and the autumn months of the year. Professional carpet cleaning in the spring just makes sense because spring cleaning! It can be an excellent way to start fresh by removing winter dirt, salt and debris buildup. Carpet cleaning in the spring can also help maintain an allergy-free workplace.

Do carpets get dirtier after cleaning?

After the cleaning crew leaves, the gunk remaining in your carpeting acts like a magnet for a whole new layer of grime. Thankfully, there are ways to slow this process. Let's look at the starting point. After just one year, even new carpeting can hold as much as one pound of dust, dirt and mold per square inch.

Why is carpet cleaning so expensive?

The base price for carpet cleaning can escalate with the addition of services like stain removal, odor removal, and applying protectants. These services tackle specific issues such as pet odors, deep stains, or high traffic areas that require special attention and materials, which add to the cost.

Which is better, chem dry or steam cleaning carpets?

The benefits: Hot water extraction, also known as steam cleaning, is the most effective carpet cleaning method for reaching the deepest parts of your carpeting. Dry chem cleaning only reaches the surface of the carpet, whereas steam cleaning penetrates to the deepest layers of your carpeting.

How much does Stanley Steemer cost?

Stanley Steemer prices vary from $125 to $143 per room for carpet cleaning to $125 to $440 per piece for upholstery cleaning. Total costs vary depending on the room size, furniture type, and your home's accessibility. Cleaning out your air ducts with Stanley Steemer costs $500 to $1,000 on average.

Should you vacuum your carpet before having it professionally cleaned?

Do carpet cleaners vacuum before they clean? All carpets should be vacuumed prior to being cleaned. Most professional carpet cleaning companies ask that you vacuum before they come to clean, while some may do it for you, after they arrive. Be sure you know what is standard practice by the company you call.

Will carpet buckle after cleaning?

Yes, carpet buckling tends to occur after cleaning if the carpet remains damp. To avoid this issue, make sure your carpet dries before you step on it. If stubborn wrinkles persist, you might want to use a carpet stretcher to smooth them out.

Is it better to shampoo or steam clean carpets?

Although we offer both approaches, in our opinion, steam cleaning tends to be the better option in most situations. Here's why: It can usually remove ingrained dirt more effectively – particularly stubborn stains that have embedded themselves deep into the fibres.

Why is Stanley Steemer so expensive?

One factor that greatly impacts the cost of a professional cleaning is the specialized equipment and products being used during the process. These tools are more advanced than your average household vacuum or floor mop—here are some ways they differ: Degree of Cleaning: Professional cleaning processes may vary (ie.

Do you tip the person who cleans your carpet?

If you're hiring a professional carpet cleaner near you, it's not necessary or expected to give them a tip. However, if they're prompt, courteous, do a wonderful job, or exceed expectations by doing extra work at no charge, it's a nice gesture to tip them.

Is 30 year old carpet unhealthy?

The older the carpet gets, the more it catches and retains nasty substances that can trigger allergies and asthma. If you find yourself suffering from allergy symptoms more regularly, your carpet could be to blame.

What happens if you never clean carpet?

Cleaning carpets regularly is more than just keeping them looking good. It's crucial for a healthy home. Dirty carpets collect dirt, dust, and allergens, which can harm your health and air quality. They can also shorten your carpet's life.

How often should carpets be cleaned?

Carpet manufacturers typically recommend a weekly surface clean and a deep clean at least once every 12 to 18 months. Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector and owner of Patriot Home Inspections in South Carolina, shares why.

What is better dry cleaning or steam cleaning carpets?

Many carpet manufacturers recommend steam cleaning as the preferred method of maintaining and prolonging the life of your carpet. For general maintenance, dry cleaning is quick and effective; however it is only a surface clean. For a deep and thorough carpet treatment, professional steam cleaning is the way to go.

What does Stanley steemer use to clean carpets?

The method we use for carpet cleaning is hot water extraction, commonly referred to as steam cleaning. Stanley Steemer's exclusive hot water extraction method removes the toughest, deepest dirt safely and gently. Hot, soft water and a specially formulated cleaning solution are injected deep within the carpet fibers.

Is professional carpet cleaning better than DIY?

What are the main advantages of professional carpet cleaning over DIY methods? Professional carpet cleaning offers superior results with powerful equipment and specialized solutions, removing deep-seated dirt and allergens more effectively than DIY methods.

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