How often should you replace your carpet?
Carpet is a popular flooring choice for our customers, and it’s not hard to see why. There is nothing quite like getting home after a long day, kicking off your shoes and feeling instantly relaxed by the softness of plush carpet under your feet. Like with all flooring options, wear and tear from children, pets and dirty shoes is inevitable, but with correct maintenance you can extend the lifespan of your carpets. If well maintained, Carpets On The Move recommend carpet replacement every 10 years and up to 15 for well-maintained commercial carpet. Here are some signs your carpet may be due for an upgrade and how you can increase the longevity of your flooring.
Signs you need to replace your carpet soon
Matting & Flatness
By design, carpet should look and feel even, plush and soft. Eventually the natural fibres will give way to constant wear, particularly in high traffic areas of the home. This can look like matted fibres or when the carpet no longer appears even, with some parts falling flat. This happens when the padded layer beneath the carpet is compromised and worn, unfortunately this cannot be repaired and calls for full carpet replacement.
Staining & Discolouration
Over time carpet will naturally fade from UV exposure and repetitive use of cleaning products. Most of us have been guilty of missing that extra bit of red wine stain that was hiding behind the furniture, or any number of the miscellaneous stains that come with having children. There are a multitude of treatments but when the professional cleaners still can’t remove the stains or there is overall colour loss, it’s time to upgrade.
Age & Damage
It goes without saying, that carpet with obvious damage like tearing and fraying should be immediately replaced. Sometimes carpet may appear alright but then you will notice an increase in allergy symptoms or a lingering musty odour. Water damage, mould and build-up of dust and dander can trigger these symptoms and leave your carpet feeling stale. Although, carpet does not have to be damaged to be replaced either, carpet that doesn’t suit your personal style can make your home feel outdated, personal preference alone is enough of a reason to seek out new carpet.
How you can care for your carpet to make it last longer and stay fresh
Prevention is the best method when it comes to caring for your carpets. The first step is to choose a long-lasting carpet to begin with. Consider where the carpet will be laid in your house and opt for more densely woven, durable, stain resistant carpets for high traffic areas such as the lounge and entry ways.
Removing footwear will assist in keeping carpets clean and dry for longer, if you have pets or small children try using entry and area rugs to catch the extra dirt, moisture and crumbs in entryways and under tables. This will allow for more frequent washing of the area rug and will absorb the wear and tear instead of the carpet below.
Proper cleaning is the best way to ensure the longevity of your carpet. By dusting the surfaces of your home regularly, this prevents the dust from falling on and settling into the carpet. Vacuuming regularly in a slow, crosshatch pattern is encouraged to remove dust and pet hair build up from the carpet fibres. We also recommend professional carpet cleaning is at least every 18 months for residential carpet and every 12 months for rental properties to increase the lifespan of your carpet.
If your carpet is looking neglected or outdated Carpets On The Move can help you find a stylish replacement to make your home feel fresh again.
