How Often Should Carpet Be Replaced? Experts Weigh In
Is your carpet showing signs of wear and tear? Find out how often you should replace your carpet and learn about the factors that affect its lifespan.
Getty Images / Tamilisa Miner
In most homes, carpets put up with a lot. There are toddlers leaving crumbs and fingerpaint stains that require regular spot cleaning. Book club visitors have spilled wine and coffee more times than you can count. If you’ve housebroken a puppy, well, your carpet probably got the worst of it. While spot treatments and professional cleaning can help at some point the carpet may have to be replaced.
How often should homeowners expect to replace the entire carpet? To find out, we spoke to experts across the South.
Meet The Experts
Linda Robinson is owner of Swannanoa Carpet City in North Carolina.
Justin Higginbotham is the co-owner of Design Studio Nashville.
Jason O'Krent is Director of Sales at O'Krent Floors in San Antonio, Texas.
“As a general guide, a carpet has a 5- to 15-year lifespan, depending on how much care and usage it gets,” says Linda Robinson of Swannanoa Carpet City in North Carolina. However, she continues, “This can massively vary from household to household.”
Factors Affecting Carpet Lifespan
Other experts we spoke to agreed that it’s difficult to give a hard and fast timeline for carpet replacement. “There really isn't a good answer to that question because of all the variables,” says Justin Higginbotham of Design Studio Nashville. There are several factors in determining how long a carpet will last in a home. As one might expect, carpet longevity depends a lot on the amount of foot traffic trekking over the carpet each day. A carpet in a back hallway will last much longer than one in a well-used living room. Folks who have teenagers and find themselves hosting the entire JV squad for movie night, may need to replace the carpet in the den more regularly than a two-person family.
Another factor to consider, according to Higginbotham, is the presence of furry friends who may have occasional accidents. If your pet is prone to indoor mishaps, invest in a carpet pre-stain treatment designed specifically for pet stains. Katie Karll of floor-cleaning and vacuum company, BISSELL, recommended that pet owners who are eager to keep their carpets looking new pick up PET PRO OXY Stain Destroyer for Carpet and Upholstery for pet spots, stains and odors, followed by the PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator. While those products can keep a carpet looking and feeling fresh, repeat accidents may shorten a carpet’s lifespan. If you see stubborn spots or lingering odors that even professional cleaning can’t dent, it may be time to replace the rug.
The type and quality of the carpet can impact longevity as well, as some cheaper carpets may not last as long. “Choosing the right carpet is the first step, as certain fibers and construction yield different results,” explains Jason O'Krent of O'Krent Floors in San Antonio, Texas, which has been in the business for five generations. “Most consumers don’t realize that the same fibers can be used to make the same look, but the density, twist, and even backing can quickly turn what looks like another apple to an orange… or lemon!”
Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Carpet
If your carpet is showing wear and tear, there are visible signs of damage, or stains or odors won't come out, even with professional cleaning, it is probably time to replace the carpet. To ensure that you’re buying a quality carpet, do some research online and then head to a locally-owned carpet store and speak with a knowledgeable salesperson who can direct you to a type of fiber, construction, and cushion that will help your carpet last those 5 to 15 years.
Selecting a high-quality floor covering is just the first step in ensuring your carpet lasts as long as possible, though. It’s also important to have it installed correctly. “Proper installation is also important for the longevity of the carpet and not needing to re-stretch as often, if at all,” explains O’Krent.
Maintenance Tips To Extend Carpet Lifespan
To get the most out of your carpet, O’Krent explained that it’s important to keep it maintained and clean. That includes regular vacuuming and cleaning (don’t worry we have a handy guide). “An analogy we like to use at O'Krent Floors is treat your floors like your favorite sweater,” says O’Krent. “Cleaning and care will help make the sweater look newer, longer, just like a carpet, which has its own kind of fibers.” Plus, Higginbotham notes that many manufacturers require that carpets be professionally cleaned yearly to maintain a warranty.
While that sounds like a lot of work, here’s the good news: According to Higginbotham, “With proper maintenance, carpets can last decades.” By that point, you may be ready for a change anyway.
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