Keeping your carpets clean is an important part of a healthy home. But how often should you call in the pros? It depends on your situation. In this guide, we’ll cover different household scenarios to help you figure out the best carpet cleaning schedule for your home.
Allergy Sufferers
Carpets often hide dust, pollen, dust mites, pet fur, and dander. When you walk on the carpets, these particles are kicked up into the air, lowering the air quality in your home and making allergies worse. Regular professional carpet cleanings reduce these allergens.
Cleaning Recommendation:
- If someone in your household has allergies, your carpets should be cleaned every 8 -12 months.
- For severe allergies, aim for every 6 -8 months.
Low Traffic Households
If you don’t have kids, pets, or lots of people running through your home, you don’t need to clean your carpets as often.
Cleaning Recommendation:
- Homes with only two adults and no pets will require professional cleanings every 18 - 24 months.
- If you get a major stain or spill, call for professional help within 1 - 2 days if you can’t completely clean it yourself.
High Traffic Households
Busy homes need carpet cleaning more regularly. If you have young kids, teenagers, and pets, your carpets see a lot of action.
Cleaning Recommendation:
- High-traffic households should have their carpets professionally cleaned every 12 -14 months.
Homes with Pets
Pets bring joy and mess into our homes. How often you need to clean your carpets depends on how messy your pets are. Do your pets shed often? Are your pets house-training? Are they sick?
Cleaning Recommendation:
- For homes with pets, a professional carpet cleaning every 8 - 14 months is recommended.

Other Considerations
There are a few other things to think about when planning how often to get your carpets cleaned:
- Allergy Sufferers: Consider cleaning your mattresses and furniture as often as your carpets.
- Area Rugs: Clean area rugs based on their location. High-traffic rugs, like those under dining tables, should be cleaned yearly. Rugs in less-used areas can go a few years between cleanings.
- Second-Hand Furniture: Have second-hand furniture or mattresses cleaned before bringing them into your home.
- Special Occasions: After hosting a party or a big event, consider a professional cleaning to handle multiple spills and spots.
How often you need to clean your carpets depends on your situation. Homes with less traffic can wait longer between cleanings compared to homes filled with kids and pets. For more ways to keep your home healthy and your carpets in top shape check out our Signature Carpet and Upholstery Care Guide.