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The holidays are over, and your bank account isn't the only thing that has suffered. Your carpets are covered in mulled wine, animal dander, and the muddy prints of children's boots. The carpet has seen a lot of wear, and you've decided it might be time for a cleaning. However, before you schedule that appointment, First Coast Home Pros recommends you take a moment to consider the signs that your carpet may be beyond help from even a professional cleaning.

How Old is My Carpet?                             

The most obvious question is often the one least asked. Experts suggest that replacing your carpets every twenty years or less will help to improve indoor air quality, even if the carpet is in an area with low traffic. Over time, dirt may accumulate underneath the carpet which your vacuum cannot extract. Organic fibers will also begin to degrade over time.

Is My Carpet Badly Stained?

Obviously, few carpets avoid staining, especially if there are children or pets in the house. Removing these stains are what cleaning companies do best. However, sometimes a carpet is so badly damaged that even IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Repair Certification) technicians such as First Coast Home Pros cannot remove the stain, despite using the best equipment and techniques available. In cases like this, there is nothing that can be done for the ailing carpet.

Likewise, removing odor stains are a specialty of professional cleaning companies. If you have a pet, there's a good chance the carpet has absorbed their musk and other scents. These are usually easily removed through regular cleaning, but these unpleasant smells can lock into the fibers of your carpet if you do not regularly clean it. They may also have permeated the padding underneath or the floorboards. Additionally, a lingering smell can indicate mold or mildew growth. First Coast Home Pros can help you decide whether it is more cost-effective to replace the carpet if cleaning doesn't significantly reduce or eliminate carpet odors.

Is the Carpet Triggering My Allergies?

Carpets are a great place for allergens to accumulate. Pet dander, pollen, dust, and a variety of other miniscule particles easily find their way under the fibers of a carpet. Even if you don't suffer personally from allergies, guests may find it more difficult to remain in your home for long periods if they're sensitive to these allergens. Excess dust or dander may also affect asthma sufferers.

In most cases, a vacuum or professional cleaning will remove them. However, in some cases, the allergens have been ground into the pad beneath your carpet. If a professional cleaning technician is unable to remove these allergens, then removal of the padding may be the only option.

What if My Carpet's Torn, Balding, or Uneven?

While you might at first think that a damaged carpet requires replacement, First Coast Home Pros is able to fix small tears and minor damage to your carpet. Larger tears increase the risk of additional tears forming as traffic passes over the damage and are usually beyond repair.

Carpets that are worn or balding are more obvious considerations for replacement. A balding carpet is unattractive, thus giving an aesthetic reason to find new quotes. Worn carpets, conversely, may not pose a significant reason for replacement on its own. Professional cleaning technicians will often bring the spring back into your carpet. If a visit from the cleaners is unable to bring back the soft bounciness, then your carpet has been worn bare and replacing becomes a matter of personal comfort more than necessity.

Uneven or crackly carpets are a sign of another matter entirely. These symptoms are caused by degradation to the padding beneath the carpet. Carpet padding adds life to your carpet by absorbing the impact from foot traffic. Beyond the crunchy sound of the disintegrated padding or the visible lumpiness, you may not notice any difference in your carpet.

Sadly, your carpet must be ripped up in order to replace the padding. Unless the carpet is in excellent condition, it is standard practice to simply replace both carpet and padding at the same time. Replacing the padding alone is an option, however, if your carpet is in good condition and you wish to extend its life.

Who Can Help Me Decide Whether or Not to Keep My Carpet?

First Coast Home Pros offers professional carpet cleaning and other house cleaning services throughout Jacksonville, Florida. Their commitment to quality and friendliness ensure that your carpet will get the loving attention that it deserves. They will also be able to help you decide if you need to replace your carpet. Please feel free to contact them to find out more or schedule an appointment.