Many people often mistake a carpet that can be cleaned for one that should be replaced. New carpet is not inexpensive, and many homeowners can hire a professional carpet cleaning service to spruce up their tired carpet rather than pay for new installation. However, there is a finite amount of time in the lifespan of any carpet, and knowing when yours has passed its prime is essential to keeping your home beautiful and healthy.
Deciding whether cleaning or replacement is necessary can be even more confusing when your carpet has experienced issues like flooding or pet stains. The following factors can be considered to help you decide to replace or professionally clean your carpet.
Carpet Wear And Tear
Your carpet’s material has a lot to do with its ability to withstand wear and tear. Polyester carpets are notorious for losing their form and becoming matted. Once a polyester carpet begins to lose tufts and flatten down, professional cleaning may not be enough to restore it to its original shape. On the other hand, Nylon carpets are typically more resilient than those made from polyester fibers. Nylon responds much better to professional cleaning even when it has lost its shape and is matted down.
Carpet Padding Deteriorates
Carpet padding also has a lifespan, and often it begins to deteriorate and break down before we realize it. The padding on the carpet serves many functions, such as providing support for the mat and your feet. Carpet padding also acts as insulation and works as a foundation for the floor.
However, carpet padding can also, unfortunately, absorb spills and liquids that soak into the carpet. Often, do-it-yourself cleaning won’t reach the padding, and stains and smells never tend wholly to go away. You tell if your carpet padding is old if you notice unevenness, wrinkles, and foul smells that don’t resolve with simple cleaning methods.
Foul Smelling Carpets
Carpet and its padding can both become foul-smelling over time. You may notice a musky smell in your room or even more pungent odors in certain parts of your house. If these smells are not eliminated with simple cleaning measures, the chances are that the padding of the carpet and the carpet fibers are carrying some form of molds and mildew.
Often, pet stains are some of the most notorious for producing strong smells as they consist of biological elements. When a foul-smelling carpet can not be rectified through professional cleaning, you should have it replaced to ensure the health of your home’s occupants.
Call In The Pros
If you are unsure if your carpet needs to be cleaned or replaced, consider calling a professional carpet cleaning service to help you determine what options you have.