How Often Should You Clean Your Carpet?

We recommend deep cleaning your carpet every 6 to 12 months, but life has a way of making messes that don’t stick to a schedule. Whether it’s muddy paws, juice spills, or mystery crumbs, your carpet sees it all—and then some. The truth is, how often you should clean your carpet really depends on your household’s unique rhythm.

Carpet Care for Pet Owners

If you have furry family members living indoors, we suggest deep cleaning your carpet at least every six months. Carpets and area rugs are great at trapping pet dander deep within their fibers. While this initially helps with air quality, simply walking across the carpet, or even vacuuming can stir those particles back into the air.

Pet dander consists of tiny flecks of skin shed by animals with fur or feathers. (Yes, even your bird has dander!) Because of its microscopic size, dander easily settles deep into carpets and rugs. And here’s something even less pleasant: dried saliva, urine, or dust from feces can also flake off and become embedded in carpet fibers.

While routine vacuuming is helpful, it can’t reach everything hidden deep within the carpet. Deep cleaning is the only way to truly and thoroughly wash your carpets and rugs. This isn’t just important for cleanliness—it’s especially critical for those with pet dander allergies.

Keeping Carpets Clean with Children at Home

Kids often spend a lot of time on carpets—playing, napping, doing crafts, or simply rolling around. Naturally, this means frequent spills and messes that can seep deep into the fibers. It’s essential to keep these spaces as clean as possible.

According to the American Lung Association, children are more vulnerable to indoor pollutants, especially from carpets, both because they spend more time on them and because they’re more likely to put their hands in their mouths. Deep cleaning more frequently can help remove these hidden contaminants and reduce the chance of exposure.

For best results, we recommend using a professional-grade machine—like the rental models we offer—to ensure a deep and effective clean.

Smoking and Odors

Pet smells, cooking odors, and everyday living can cause carpets to absorb unwanted odors. If your space doesn’t smell fresh even after vacuuming, it’s likely time for a deep clean.

Homes with indoor smokers need even more frequent attention. Tobacco smoke contains harmful gases and particles, including known carcinogens. These toxins can settle into soft surfaces like carpet, rugs, and upholstery, and over time, they may be re-emitted into the air.

According to a 2002 study—and reaffirmed by a 2023 study published by ACS Publications—these toxic compounds don’t just stay trapped; they can recombine into new, harmful substances. Even non-smokers in the home can be affected. In homes with heavy smokers, deep cleaning every three months is recommended. For homes with light to moderate smokers, every six months is sufficient. Deep cleaning helps remove these

Carpet Maintenance

Carpets naturally trap dander allergens like pollen and pet dander. Regular deep cleaning helps reduce these dust allergens and help minimize symptoms for those with sensitivities.

It also helps extend the life of your carpet. Without proper cleaning, dirt and debris can wear down carpet fibers, leading to matting, fading, and a dingy appearance, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways, entryways, and living rooms.

While a yearly deep clean is a good general rule, every home is different. Factors like pets, kids, dander allergies, smoking, and foot traffic all play a role in how often you should deep clean your carpets. Choose a schedule that suits your lifestyle and home environment.

How Often Should You Clean Your Carpet? The answer depends on your lifestyle, but whether it’s every six months or more often, keeping your carpets fresh and clean is key to a healthier, more comfortable home. No matter what life throws at your floors—pets, kids, or everyday wear and tear—Rug Doctor is here to help. With convenient rental options and powerful deep-cleaning machines, we make it easy to give your carpets the care they deserve.

Find a rental location near you and happy cleaning!