How often should carpet be cleaned?

Most homes benefit from professional carpet cleaning every 12 to 18 months. Homes with pets, young kids, allergy sufferers, or heavy foot traffic usually land closer to every 6 to 12 months. Carpet manufacturers typically require professional hot-water extraction on a defined schedule to keep warranties valid — check your warranty documentation for the exact interval. Between professional cleanings, vacuum high-traffic paths twice a week and blot spills within a few minutes to prevent set-in stains. If your carpet has visible traffic paths, matting near entryways, or a lingering odor even after vacuuming, it's due sooner rather than later.