The honest answer is “more often than you think, less often than a salesperson wants” — here's how to land on the right interval for your home.
Carpet doesn't look dirty until it's very dirty. By the time traffic lanes are visibly gray, abrasive grit has already been grinding the fibers for months — and that wear doesn't come back. The point of a regular cleaning schedule isn't just appearance; it's protecting the carpet you paid for so it lasts its full life instead of half of it.
| Your Situation | Clean Every |
|---|---|
| Average adult household, no pets | 12–18 months |
| Kids and/or pets | 6–12 months |
| Allergy or asthma in the home | 6 months |
| Lakefront rental / high turnover | Each season |
| Light-colored carpet | Toward the shorter end |
Most carpet manufacturers require professional hot-water extraction every 12–18 months — with a receipt — to keep the wear warranty valid. If you ever need to make a claim, "I rented a machine a few times" won't cut it. Keep your cleaning invoices with your home file.
If you can't remember your last one, it's time. Get a flat quote today.