Frequency of Cleaning

How often should I clean my carpets?
How many opinions would you like?  There’s no hard and fast rule that applies to all situations.  Many factors such as children, pets, environmental situations and so on play a role in how quickly your carpet soils.  Here’s some information to help determine the right interval for you.The IICRC is an industry organization providing training and certification for cleaning and restoration professionals.  The chart below is taken from IICRC Publication S001-1991, Standard Reference Guide for Professional On-location Cleaning of Installed Textile Floor Covering Materials.
Cleaning Frequency Guidelines

from the IICRC Standard for Carpet Cleaning S001-1991

 Environmental Factors
Normal Contaminated Outside Dusty Extremely Cold Weather Climates High Humidity Biogenic
Day Care Center 2 wks 1 wk 2 wks 1 wk
Nursing Homes 1 mo 1 mo 1 mo 1 wk
Residence

2 persons, non-smoking

 6-12 months . 2 months . 4-6 months . 4-6 months .
2 persons, with smoking 4 months 2 months 3 months 4 months
young children 6 months 1 month 3 months 3 months
young children w/pets 3-6 months 1 month 2 months 2 months
Office Building

ground floor

higher floors

  

 

3-6 months

6-12 months

  

 

1-4 months

2-6

months

  

 

2-6 months

3-9 months

  

 

2-6 months

3-9 months
Food Service Establishments 1 month 1 week 2 weeks 2 weeks
Commercial

retail shops, bank

 3-6 months 1 month 2 months 2 months
(From: U.S. EPA Letter, January, 1989)
This table is intended to serve as a guideline for recommended cleaning frequencies from a public health perspective. Originally published in a letter from the U.S. EPA, this schedule has been adopted as part of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification’s (IICRC) Carpet Cleaning Standard S001-1991. Complete copies of the IICRC Carpet Cleaning Standard can be obtained by calling the Institute at 360-693-5675.
What do we recommend? There’s no doubt that regular, professional cleanings benefit both you and your carpet.  Removing unwanted contaminates from your carpet promotes a healthier indoor environment.  Properly maintaining your carpet prolongs its useful life.  We can help you determine how often you should clean your carpets during your cleaning visit.  Here are a few tips.

  • Clean your carpet sooner rather than later.  Soil buried in your carpet acts like an abrasive, accelerating the wear of face yarns, and soils are much harder to remove when they’ve been ground in over an extended period of time. .
  • Vacuum regularly, especially in front of exterior doors where soils can accumulate. .
  • Clean up spills when they happen. .
  • Use products intended for use on carpets only.  Try water or carbonated water first.  If the spot remains use a non-residual product such as an approved  Carpet Spot and Stain Remover.
  • Properly performed cleaning, even frequent cleaning, does not damage your carpet nor will it cause your carpet to soil more quickly. .
  • ALWAYS consult a professional if you have questions about the care of your carpet.