Carpet experiences many forms of abuse on a daily basis. People and pets walk on it, furniture legs get scraped on it and all sorts of foods and beverages can get spilled on it.
Carpets can begin to show signs of wear after just a few years. You can have your carpets professionally cleaned, rearrange furniture so the carpet wears more evenly or use area rugs to cover up trouble spots, but you may eventually realize that it’s time to install new carpeting.
Stains
If something is spilled on a carpet and you act quickly, you may be able to prevent a stain. If a spill isn’t cleaned right away, however, a stain can set in and can be difficult to remove. Carpet cleaning products and DIY methods may not remove stains from the padding beneath the carpet, making things worse in the long run.
Moisture Damage
If your house has a leaky pipe or roof, water can damage your carpets. You may be able to handle minor damage yourself or hire a professional to take care of it. If the carpet is soaked, however, it may be best to replace it. There may be mold, both in the carpet and in the padding and flooring beneath it.
Odor
Sometimes carpeting has experienced so much wear and tear, and had so many things spilled on it over time, that it causes a smell that’s difficult or impossible to get rid of. If you’ve had your carpets professionally cleaned and have removed any other potential source of odor, but your home still smells bad, it may be time to consider replacing the carpets.
Allergens
Carpets can trap allergens, such as dust and pet dander. If a member of your family has been experiencing allergy symptoms or asthma attacks more often than usual, the carpet in your house may be to blame. You can have it cleaned, but that may not remove all the allergens. You may be better off simply replacing the carpet and depending on the allergy, installing hardwood or other non-carpet flooring.
Damaged Padding
Padding under your carpet serves as a foundation. The padding may feel uneven or wrinkled when you walk on the carpet, a sign that it’s time for new carpeting.
Style
Carpet styles change over time. If your carpet was installed more than a decade ago, it may have a dated appearance. That may not be a problem if you prefer a retro vibe, but it can be an instant turnoff for potential buyers. If you’re thinking about selling your home, update the carpeting first.
Know When It’s Time for New Carpeting
Some amount of wear is normal, but if your carpet is frayed, torn, matted, stained or has other visible signs of damage, or if there is a persistent odor, you may have to install new carpeting. You can only accomplish so much by having your carpets cleaned, and covering damaged spots with area rugs isn’t a permanent solution. You should definitely have worn-out carpeting replaced if you plan to sell your house.
