How Often Should It Be To Steam Clean A Carpet Effectively?

Many homeowners dread carpet cleaning. However, it is a necessary evil if you want to keep your carpets looking their best. Steam cleaning is the most popular way to clean carpets. 

But how often should you steam clean your carpets?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the frequency with which you should steam clean your carpets will depend on various factors, including the type of carpet, the amount of foot traffic, and whether pets are present.

However, to maintain a carpet’s appearance and performance, it is recommended to have it professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months. 

You should consider these factors when deciding how often you should steam clean your carpet. 

Children

How often you should steam clean your carpet will depend on several factors, including the presence of children in the home. 

When you have young children who are always running and playing around, you’ll likely need to steam clean your carpets more frequently—perhaps twice or three times a week. 

The reason is that kids tend to track in dirt and debris from outside, and their activities can quickly create a mess on your carpets. Then, you will need a professional steam clean two to three times yearly.

Pets

With pets in the house, you will have to steam clean more often. Pets shed an abundance of fur and hair, and they can quickly build up dirt on carpets. 

In homes with pets, it is usually best to steam clean your carpets every two to three days. And just as you’d do for children, you’ll need to have a professional steam clean done at least twice yearly.

Carpet Color

Carpet color is one factor that influences how often you should steam clean your carpet. 

If your carpet is light-colored, you will need to thoroughly clean it more often than if your carpet is dark-colored. 

Light-colored carpets show dirt and dust more easily than dark-colored carpets. 

Your Warranty

If a warranty covers your carpet, you may be required to have it steam cleaned at certain intervals. Check with the warranty provider for specifics on how often you should steam clean your carpet. 

Also, your receipts for the cleanings might be necessary if a warranty issue arises. Keeping this documentation proves that you adhered to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

Wearing Shoes In the House

One factor to consider when deciding how often to steam clean your carpet is how frequently you wear shoes in your home. 

If you allow shoes in your home, you will need to steam clean more often to remove the stain, dirt and debris that they track in. 

You may also want to consider using a floor mat at the entrance of your home to help reduce the amount of dirt and debris that enters your home.

Allergies

Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in environments with high humidity levels. They prey on dead skin cells that humans shed and can cause allergies in some individuals. 

Among the best ways to reduce dust mite populations is to keep your carpets clean. Regular steam cleaning will help remove dust mites and their feces, triggering allergic reactions.

In addition to reducing allergens, regular steam cleaning will also help keep your carpets looking their best. 

Spot Cleaning and Blotting

It is also necessary to spot clean your carpets after spills. 

What do you do if you are not due for a steam clean and the rest is still in good shape? 

Firstly, remove any dirt or debris from the carpet’s surface and mop up any liquid by blotting with a clean, dry cloth. Apply quite a bit of pressure. Move the material from the dirty areas to the clean ones as you wipe. 

Next, proceed to clean the spot using a spot cleaner. Be sure the product does NOT bleach your carpet by testing a small area in a corner.

How Often To Steam Clean Carpets—In Summary

When deciding how often to steam clean your carpet, keep in mind that the frequency of steam cleaning should vary slightly with each household. 

For example, if you have children and pets in your house, you will likely need to steam clean your carpets more frequently. If your carpets are light-colored, you will likely need to steam clean them more often than if your carpet is dark-colored. 

And, just as you would in any other cleaning situation, you should always use the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and care of your carpet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cleaning your carpet too often be a problem?

Yes, it can. By regularly cleaning your carpet with chemical solutions, especially too often, you can actually wear it down by loosening the fibers, which makes your carpet more prone to mold and mildew.

Is steam cleaning really effective?

Steam cleaning is an effective step in the carpets cleaning process. Because of the high temperature of the steam, particles on carpets are removed and added to a water-repellant substance. Additionally, steam cleaning is 99% effective in removing germs and bacteria from carpets.