Modern carpets are generally made of synthetic fibers, which wear down with time and use. While these floor coverings don’t include an expiration date, there are telling signs for when you should replace your carpet.
Simple indications are obvious, like warping, stains, and odors that remain even after a thorough cleaning. Many homeowners ignore these signs until it becomes too unpleasant to bear and continue to hide stains with furniture or cover the smell with Febreze.
Most of these indications point to worn-out carpet fibers and moisture accumulation. It isn’t just a matter of aesthetics, though. Your family’s health might also be at risk if you ignore the signs that a deteriorating carpet needs replacement.
So, how often should you replace the carpet or other floor coverings? Remnant King Carpets, suggest to keep an eye out for these four primary indications:
The Age of the Carpet
The age of the carpet is almost impossible to estimate with homes changing hands so often. Carpets last anywhere from five to fifteen years, depending on the type of fiber, level of maintenance, and foot traffic.
For example, carpets with a lot of traffic, such as the main hall, will have a shorter lifespan than those in the spare bedroom. Keep track of the age of carpets in your home as best you can so that you notice any deterioration more readily.
Carpet Starts Matting
Matting is a process that results in the accumulation of dirt piles in the carpet. It compresses the carpet fibers, usually due to a lot of foot traffic.
You can get rid of the pile in newer carpets through professional cleaning. Through the process, the fibers also regain their natural shape to make the carpet appear as fresh as the day it was purchased. However, as the carpet ages, stubborn piles may remain, and the best option is to replace the carpet.
Timeous carpet replacement also helps prevent the development of health and safety concerns.
Irremovable Stains
Carpets come with a stain-resistant coating against major blemishes. As it ages, the coating wears off, not only making the carpet more vulnerable to stains but more difficult to keep clean.
Tannin and dye stains caused by wine, grass, or mustard are some of the toughest stains. It sticks to the fiber, making it almost impossible to remove without professional help.
Even professional cleaning can’t rid the carpet of tough stains on older carpets, though. If the fibers are too far gone, replacing the carpet is the only choice.
Worn-Out Padding
The padding of a carpet adds cushioning under the feet for assured comfort. With general use, the pad starts to wear down, making the carpet flat and less comfortable for walking or sitting. Once the padding deteriorates, there is nothing you can do but to find a replacement.
How Often Should Carpet be Replaced?
It is important you replace your carpet when any of the above signs start to show. If not, it can pose a risk to the health of you or your family members with respiratory issues, skin irritations, and allergies, and more.
The carpet also becomes a breeding ground for pests, such as silverfish, bed bugs, and booklice.
How often should I replace my carpet? It depends on a myriad of factors, including the four major factors mentioned above. Call our professionals today for more information on how often to replace carpet and other floor coverings.