Carpets are an essential part of most people’s homes. They bring a warmth and sense of coziness that other floors just can’t match!
They can also be quite a large investment, so it’s important for a lot of customers that they know just how long these fabrics will last them over the years, and, if there is anything that can be done to help them last longer.
In this blog post, we will answer the question how long you can expect your carpets to last for and talk about how regular maintenance can extend this time dramatically!
How Long Do Carpets Normally Last?
On average a synthetic carpet will last for around 7 years while a natural wool carpet will last for 20+ years.
This varies based on a few factors:
Natural wool: The longest lasting carpet by far giving you at least 20 years of good lifespan. When cleaning, use only safe wool cleaning methods which means low moisture and the right products.
White synthetic carpets: You will get around 7 years out of this type of carpet before it needs replacing.
Dark colored carpets: With darker colours, you can expect them to last for around 10 years
Can Regular Cleaning Increase The Lifespan Of Carpets?
Absolutely it can! the best way to keep your carpet from aging prematurely and becoming worn & damaged is through regular cleaning.
Cleaning the carpets will prevent deep in built stains from penetrating it’s way into your carpets. If these stains are there for long enough, they block the fiber pores making them prone to rips and even permanent discoloration.
Also, if you don’t give your carpets a deep clean at least every 12 months, you run the risk of those carpets smelling permanently.
Stains and water damage left unchecked can penetrate the carpet padding and if that happens, left unchecked it will do permanent damage to your carpets.
there is also the issue of carpeting feeling hard over time. The main reason for this is lack of regular cleaning. The less accumulation of dirt, grease and debris in your carpets, the fresher and softer they feel.
How Long Will Carpet Cleaning Extend A Carpets Lifespan By?
Aside from the obvious wear and tear such as rips, carpet cleaning can and does extend your carpets lifespan by around 5-10 years and in fact you could easily make it last a lot longer.
The less rubbish in your carpets eating away at those fibers, the better for your carpet and the longer it will last.
Think of it this way. It might sound rude but, if it wasn’t for you, your carpet would last forever. What we mean by this is it’s the contaminants that a busy home brings to carpets that destroys it.
If you remove those contaminants before they become a problem, your carpet will last a lot longer.
Can I clean the carpets myself to help them last?
Regular maintenance is essential and we understand that most people won’t want to pay out for a carpet cleaner every few months.
As long as you get a deep clean of your carpet once a year, the maintenance cleans should be doable with either a dry carpet cleaning solution and a wet and dry vacuum, or a mid range carpet cleaner.
Those mid range carpet cleaners will set you back around £300 but we do not recommend getting anything smaller as the less expensive options almost always do more harm than good, have a look at our rug doctor review to understand why.
If you would rather not pay out for such things, we offer a low cost maintenance clean for your carpets. We will either use a dry carpet cleaning solution or a bonnet cleaning option to keep your carpets looking good in between deep cleans.
Carpet Protection
Any carpet cleaner worth his salt will offer a stain protection service as well as his usual carpet clean.
It’s a great idea to get this done once a year with your deep clean to help protect it for longer. Doing so can extend your carpets lifespan by at least 5 years!
It’s a great option if you have kids or pets and saves you tons of time and money when it comes to spot stain removal.
Other tips for helping carpets last longer
To help carpets last longer, it’s important to take proactive measures to maintain their condition and prevent excessive wear and tear.
Here are some tips to extend the lifespan of your carpets:
Regular vacuuming: Vacuum your carpets at least once a week to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can accumulate and cause fibers to break down over time.
Use doormats: Place doormats at entry points to trap dirt and moisture before they get tracked onto your carpets. This will reduce the amount of debris and grime that can wear down the carpet fibers.
Remove shoes indoors: Encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes before walking on the carpet. Shoes can bring in dirt and small rocks that can damage the fibers and lead to premature wear.
Rotate furniture: Heavy furniture can leave permanent indentations on the carpet. To prevent this, periodically move your furniture around to distribute the weight and avoid excessive wear in one area.
Limit direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and discoloration of carpet fibers. Use curtains or blinds to reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches the carpeted areas.
Clean spills immediately: Address spills and stains promptly to prevent them from setting into the carpet fibers permanently. Blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel and use a carpet cleaner appropriate for your carpet type.
Use area rugs or runners: Place area rugs or carpet runners in high-traffic areas or areas where spills are more likely to occur. This can protect the underlying carpet and make it easier to clean.
Trim snags and loops: If you notice loose threads or snags on your carpet, trim them carefully to prevent further damage.
Avoid harsh chemicals: When cleaning your carpets, avoid using harsh chemicals or strong detergents that can damage the carpet fibers or leave behind residue.
Use carpet pads: Underlayment’s or carpet pads provide extra cushioning and support to your carpet, reducing wear and tear and increasing its lifespan.
Groom high-pile carpets: If you have high-pile carpets, use a carpet rake or brush occasionally to lift the fibers and prevent matting.
Conclusion
While keeping your carpets clean can seem overwhelming, especially if you have young kids or pets, it can be done. Your home will thank you and so will your bank account if you can extend your carpets lifespan by 5+ years.
Protect your carpets as well as possible and make sure your visitors ake their shoes off when they come in and your carpets will be feeling and smelling fresh for years to come.
