Cleaning vs. Replacing Carpet: What to Know

Carpets are a great addition to any home. Like anything, however, they need care and cleaning over time to continue looking their best. Replacing carpet is also a necessary part of home ownership over the years, as most carpet is only designed to last 5-15 years, depending on the level of traffic and the type of carpet in question. So, how do you know when it’s time for cleaning versus when it might be time to consider replacing that carpet and upgrading to something new?

Ultimately, this is a personal decision. You’ll have to determine the state of your carpets and how old they are, as well as how much it will cost to replace them. If you’re not in a situation to replace your carpets, cleaning can be a good way to at least make sure that they’re in the best condition so that they last as long as possible.

If your carpets may be harboring mold or potential allergens that cannot be cleaned away anymore, you need to replace them. However, if your carpets are less than five years old and need a little dirt cleanup or stain removal, professional carpet cleaning could be the right fit.

Regular carpet cleaning can improve the lifespan of your floors significantly. Dirt and debris that builds up in the carpet over time can break down the fibers. A floor that is cleaned regularly can last almost twice as long as one that is only vacuumed and rarely professionally cleaned, if ever.

If you’re trying to decide whether to clean or replace your carpets, here are some things to consider:

• What’s your budget like? Can you afford new carpets right now? Carpet has a replacement cost of $200-$900 per room or between $2,000 and $7,000 to recarpet an entire house.
• Can you clean the carpets and make them look new again or are they beyond help? Even if you can get them cleaned to hold out a little longer, that may be better if you’re not quite ready for replacement.
• Ask the professionals. When all else fails, have your professional carpet cleaning team come check out your floors and make a recommendation as to the best course of action.

Sometimes, it’s just time to replace the floors, while other times, a good cleaning will do. If you aren’t sure what to do with your carpets, don’t hesitate to ask Green-Gen Carpet and Fine Rug Cleaning for help.