If you’re asking yourself whether it’s worth getting your carpets cleaned, you’re not alone. It’s one of those questions that come up when you’re trying to keep your home fresh and clean but don’t want to spend money unnecessarily. Let’s talk about when cleaning your carpets is a good idea—and when it might not be.
Why Clean Carpets Are Important
Clean carpets aren’t just about making your home look nice. Carpets trap dirt, dust, allergens, and even bacteria over time. While vacuuming helps, that alone won’t get everything out. That’s where a deep professional cleaning comes in handy. Let me tell you a quick story.
I once had a client, a young family with two kids and a dog, who called me after one of the kids spilled an entire bowl of cereal on their carpet. They tried their best to clean it themselves but couldn’t get rid of the sticky sugar residue or the smell.
What most carpet technicians will tell you is rather than clean it yourself, you should call a professional right away. many times if you try to clean something like this on your own, you’ll actually end up making it more difficult for a professional to address the situation.
Sticky, sugary residue is a breeze for a professional carpet cleaner, but spilled milk is a whole different animal to tackle. If milk (or any liquid) gets into the padding under the carpet, this is nearly impossible to clean completely.
The best thing you can do after a spill is blot it up as soon as possible. If you have a wet-vac or an extractor machine, that’s even better!
Times When Cleaning Carpets Is Totally Worth It
You Have Kids or Pets
Kids and pets are adorable, but they’re not exactly tidy. From spilled drinks to muddy paws, your carpet takes a lot of hits. Professional carpet cleaning removes dirt, allergens, and even odors that regular cleaning can’t handle. If you’ve got a new puppy or kitten learning the ropes, a deep clean can help with stains and smells.
One time, I was called to clean a home where the family had just adopted a rescue dog. The poor pup had a few accidents during its first week. They were worried the smells would linger, but after a thorough cleaning with our organic solutions, the carpets were spotless and odor-free. I also shared tips on how to blot accidents quickly and use a little baking soda to neutralize odors in between professional cleanings.
Pro tip: If you’re dealing with pet accidents, avoid using harsh chemicals. Many of them can make stains worse or even attract pets to mark the same spot again. Stick to mild, pet-safe cleaners or organic options.
You Have Allergies
Carpets can hold onto pollen, dust, and other allergens. If you’ve been sneezing or feeling stuffy, your carpets could be to blame. Cleaning them can make your home feel fresher and healthier, especially during allergy season.
I remember working with a client who had severe allergies. They’d tried everything to reduce their symptoms but never considered their carpets might be the problem. After cleaning their carpets throughout their home and bedrooms, they told me they noticed a big difference in how they felt. They even started cleaning their carpets more regularly to keep their symptoms at bay. For DIY tips, I suggested sprinkling carpets with baking soda before vacuuming to help lift allergens.
You’re Getting Ready to Sell or Rent Your Home
First impressions matter. If you’re putting your house on the market or renting it out, clean carpets make a big difference. They make your space feel inviting and show that you’ve taken good care of the place.
I’ve helped countless homeowners and landlords prepare properties for sale or new tenants. One memorable case involved a rental property where the carpets looked so bad the owner considered replacing them. After a deep clean, the carpets original color came back, saving the owner thousands of dollars. The new tenants couldn’t believe the carpets were 7 years old!
It’s Been Over a Year
Most experts recommend cleaning carpets every 6-12 months, especially in high-traffic areas. If it’s been longer, a deep clean can help extend your carpet’s life and improve its appearance.
A family I worked with once hadn’t cleaned their carpets in over three years. They were embarrassed by the stains and odors, but after the cleaning, they were amazed at how much brighter and softer their carpets felt. They even joked that they should throw a “new carpet” party! For regular upkeep, I always recommend vacuuming at least twice a week to keep dirt from embedding deep into the carpet fibers.
You’ve Got a Stubborn Stain
Some stains just won’t budge with regular cleaning. Whether it’s red wine, coffee, or grease, a professional cleaning can often get rid of those stubborn spots (provided you call in a timely manner).
One client called me after an unfortunate “wine and cheese night” incident. They thought their cream-colored carpet was ruined after a guest knocked over a full glass of red wine. Using a combination of organic stain removers and some tried-and-true techniques, I was able to lift the stain for them. They couldn’t believe it and neither could I!
Many times red wine on light colored carpet can’t be completely removed. I don’t care what other carpet cleaners tell you, this task is nearly impossible, especially if time goes by after the accident.
When Cleaning Carpets Might Not Be Worth It
1. The Carpet Is Really Old
If your carpet is 20 years old and has seen better days, cleaning might not make much of a difference. Worn-down fibers and deep stains might mean it’s time to replace it. We’ll talk more about this below.
One example comes to mind: a client with a carpet so worn that the backing was visible in several spots. While cleaning removed some stains and odors, the carpet still looked its age. They eventually decided to replace it, but they appreciated the effort and said the cleaning made their home more livable until they could afford to completely replace it.
2. You’re About to Move Out of a Rental
If you’re moving out, check your lease. Some landlords require professional carpet cleaning, but if they don’t, it might not be worth the cost. Still, cleaning might help you get your deposit back.
I’ve had renters tell me that their landlords were impressed by the condition of their carpets after a professional cleaning. One young couple even called to thank me when they got their full security deposit returned—a rarity in rental situations! For renters, I also suggest cleaning stains immediately using a mix of white vinegar and water—it’s a lifesaver in emergencies.
3. You’re on a Tight Budget
Just be sure to rinse thoroughly after you’re done cleaning. If you skip this step, the cleaning solution will be left behind and leave a sticky residue that will attract more dirt to the areas you tried to clean.
How Much Does Stanley Steemer Cost?
Stanley Steemer is a well-known carpet cleaning company. Their prices typically range from $100 to $300 per room after you’ve added extras, like stain protection.
That said, their cleaning products might not be organic. If you’re looking for something safe for kids, pets, and the environment, you might want to look into local organic carpet cleaners (like us!). Organic cleaning uses non-toxic solutions that are just as effective without the harsh chemicals. For example, our citrus-based cleaning solutions not only clean deeply but leave a refreshing, citrus scent behind.
Is It Worth Cleaning 20-Year-Old Carpet?
If your carpet is 20 years old, you might wonder if cleaning will make any difference. Here are some things to think about:
Condition: Is the carpet still in decent shape, or is it falling apart? Cleaning can’t fix frayed edges, holes, or even flat spots from frequent traffic.
Stains: Professional cleaning can handle surface stains, but really old, deep stains might not come out.
Odors: If your carpet has a permanent smell, even after cleaning, it might be time to replace it.
Cost: Cleaning is cheaper than replacing, but if the carpet’s near the end of its life, you might want to put that money toward a new one.
Sometimes, a deep clean can surprise you and make an old carpet look much better. But if it’s beyond saving, replacing might be the smarter option. One client with a 22-year-old carpet decided to clean it before hosting a family reunion. They were shocked at how much better it looked and were able to delay replacing it for another year! It really just depends on how well the carpet has stood up to the test of time.
Is It Cheaper to Clean or Replace Carpet?
Cleaning is almost always cheaper. On average, professional carpet cleaning costs a few hundred dollars. Replacing carpet, on the other hand, can cost thousands. For most people, cleaning makes more sense unless the carpet is in really bad shape.
Here’s a breakdown:
Cleaning: $100-$500, depending on the size of your home and any extras.
Replacing: $1,500-$5,000 or more, depending on the type of carpet and the size of the area.
If your carpet still has life left in it, cleaning is the way to go. But if it’s worn out, stained, or smells terrible, replacing it might be worth the investment. I often suggest clients consider their long-term plans. If you’re staying put, cleaning is great. If you’re renovating anyway, replacing it might be the smarter long-term play.
Will My Carpets Get Crunchy After Cleaning?
Will Stains Come Back in My Carpet After Professional Carpet Cleaning?
Will Carpet Cleaning Fix Flat Spots in Carpet?
What About DIY Carpet Cleaning?
