How to Know if Your Carpet is Dirty

Just because your carpet looks clean, doesn’t mean it actually is.

While just about everyone would like to lie to themselves and continue to pretend that they’re not dealing with a dirty carpet, doing so can actually be hazardous to your health.

When left unclean for too long, toxins and other pollutants can build up in your carpeting. This can make it difficult to breathe, and may even make you sick.

In this post, we’re reviewing both the hidden and more obvious signs that let you know you’ve got a dirty carpet.

We’ll let you know when it’s time to call in a professional!

It’s Fading

Here’s a nasty truth we don’t enjoy telling you: up to 2,000 dust mites can live in a single ounce of carpet dust.

We know: it’s disgusting.

The truth is though, that your dirty carpet doesn’t just hold onto dirt, hair, and other things you’d rather not think about.

It’s also a habitat for dust mites, bacteria, allergens, mold, and even insects.

If your carpet is fading, it’s true that too much sun hitting it may be responsible.

But especially if your carpet is on the newer side, it’s more likely that a buildup of dirt and other gross things is to blame.

Believe it or not, the age of your home itself can also impact how quickly your carpet gets dirty. Allergens and other small pollutants (even things like old insect skins, yuck!) are lingering in the air more frequently in an older home.

This means that they’ll often end up on your carpet.

If you notice carpet fading, before you replace your carpet, consult a carpet cleaning professional.

Your Vacuum Bag Seems to Be Getting Fuller Faster

While it may be tempting to blame your vacuum cleaner manufacturer, the truth is, your dirty carpet might really be the thing to blame for a full vacuum bag.

If it seems like you’ve been having to change out your vacuum bag more and more frequently these days, your carpet may be responsible. Likely, you’ve got a seriously high amount of dirt hiding in its fibers.

Instead of continuing to run a vacuum with a full bag over your carpet (which won’t be as effective, anyway) consider bringing in the services of a professional.

Your Carpet Or Rug Just Feels Rough

The actual feel of your carpet can be an indication that it’s dirty.

Of course, older carpets may not feel as warm and fuzzy as they did when you first purchased them (especially if they’re in a popular room of the house.)

But if your carpet is still fairly new, and is especially rough or even hard to the touch (again, gross, who knows what’s hardened on there?) you might consider a professional cleaner.

Many services use special carpet shampoos and other cleaning products that can have your carpet feeling like new again. Plus, it’ll look as good as it feels after a cleaning.

It’s Winter

We know – it’s bizarre to think that the time of the year could have an impact on your carpet.

Another gross fact about your dirty carpet? A lot of that “dirt” is actually dried skin that’s fallen off your body.

In the winter, or in a colder climate in general, you’re dealing with a lot more dry skin that you usually would.

Over time, this can really add up, and can be one of the leading causes of a dirty carpet.

You’ve Got Stains That Have Been There for…Longer Than You’d Care to Reveal

While suddenly deciding to “switch up the layout of a room” after a red wine spill on your carpet may work for a while, eventually, you’re going to run out of places to move that sofa.

If you’ve noticed a large number of pesky stains that just won’t come out of your carpet, you already know you’re due for a cleaning.

To help prevent stains in the future, have guests take off their shoes as soon as they enter a room with a carpet.

If you have pets, consider keeping them out of the room with your carpet by investing in a baby gate. (You know just how much damage yet another “accident” from Fido can do to your carpet.)

When it comes to keeping your kids off your carpet, we know it’s trial and error, and that sometimes, you’ll just have to hope for the best.

Encourage them to listen to the family rules, and if they continue to break them, suggest they vacuum the carpet themselves. The threat or “punishment” of chores does wonders for preventing a dirty carpet.

It’s Just Been…Well…Years

It’s not rocket science.

If you were still able to drink more than two glasses of wine without a hangover the last time you had your carpet cleaned, it’s time to got in touch with a cleaning service.

Most people with serious carpeting in their homes should try to have their carpets cleaned at least once a year.

While it might seem like a larger expense than you’d like to be paying now, it’s certainly cheaper than having to pay to have half your home re-carpeted.

Plus, it’s just a good move for your health. If you’ve been feeling a bit sick, or have found you feel stuffy or have trouble breathing in rooms with carpeting, take it seriously.

A carpet cleaning is certainly more affordable than several trips to the doctor, and takes a lot less time.

What’s the Culprit When It Comes to Your Dirty Carpet?

In this post, we’ve identified the most common signs of a dirty rug or carpet.

Now, you just need to know where you can find the best carpet cleaning service in your area. You need someone you can trust to do the job well and thoroughly. After all, the health of your family is at stake, and you’re trying to protect your investment.

If you’ve got stains you just can’t get out, or if you’re just due for your annual cleaning, get in touch with us and let us take care of your dirt!