Consumer Checklist for
Cleaning Carpet

Cleaning Frequently – Installed residential carpet exposed to routine use should be programmed for cleaning at least annually. Carpet that is subjected to extreme soiling or heavy use, particularly high traffic areas, or carpet installed in homes occupied by persons with allergy or respiratory problems requires greater cleaning frequently. Carpet in low traffic areas, such as formal living rooms, dining rooms, etc., needs less frequent cleaning.

Commercial carpet should be analyzed according to its construction, the type and frequency of traffic, the soiling conditions encountered, and other extenuating circumstances, such as occupant activities, structure design and indoor air quality. Specialized maintenance and cleaning programs (e.g., weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, etc.) should be developed based on individual needs. Moreover, frequent cleaning of entrances and high traffic areas reduces the contaminants and soil particles from outside the structure that accumulate in these areas. These tracked contaminants will affect indoor air quality if not adequately controlled.

Consumers must not wait until carpet looks soiled before cleaning. Experts agree that clean carpet contributes not only to the overall aesthetics of a structure, but it plays a significant role in the healthful state of the overall environment in which people work, live and spend the majority of their time.

The following chart is intended to serve as a guideline for recommended cleaning frequencies for carpet from a public health perspective. It recognizes various environments considering normal activities, highly contaminated outside environments, cold weather conditions, and high humidity environments subjected to biological contamination.