There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to replacing your carpet but the lifespan of carpet usually ranges from around 5-15 years depending on material, the quality of the original product, the conditions the carpet has been subject to and whether the carpet has been installed for commercial, residential or rental property use.Other factors such as water damage, pets, spills and environmental considerations, including climate, can also play a part in determining when your carpet runs out of steam and might need replacing.

Stains & Odours that Don’t Go Away

If your carpet is still on the nose and has visible staining even after you’ve had it cleaned, it’s a sure sign that your carpet is ready to be replaced. This is especially the case for pet owners – it’s important to clean up pet accidents as soon as you spot them, but even so, sometimes the odour can penetrate deeply into carpet fibres meaning the smell can linger and become permanent. Carpet odours can also be a tell-tale sign of mould or bacteria build-up (see below) which is very difficult to treat and often requires a complete replacement of the affected areas.

When it comes to stains on your carpet, furniture, rugs and pot plants can really be your friend in terms of covering up or disguising obvious stains but if you’re starting to run out of creative tricks and options to disguise spots and marks, it’s probably time to look at replacing your carpet.

To get the best value and longevity from your carpet, make sure you choose the right type of carpet for your needs to begin with.

If yours is a busy household with kids and pets, definitely consider durable carpet products like Eco Plus that come with stain protection, pet guarantees, wear and fade resistance, that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Desire Carpet is another fantastic, hard-wearing collection that comes with advanced ACTIVE 8 treatment which neutralises odours.

Carpet for commercial uses and rental properties should be extremely durable and come with appropriate warranties to ensure their resistance to heavy duty wear and tear.

Carpet Tiles are a very affordable and practical option for commercial properties and offices. They are extremely durable, can tolerate heavy-duty cleaning products and even in the event that the carpet does sustain damage or staining, you can simply replace individual carpet squares.

Axminster carpet is another great choice for busy commercial premises such as clubs, pubs, bars or casinos, offering durability, colour fastness, clean-ability and fire ratings.

Making the right carpet choice is one of the best ways to ensure you don’t have to replace your carpet prematurely.

More: Care and maintenance of your floors

Threadbare Patches or Matting

Carpets bear the brunt of a lot of wear and tear over the years, especially in busy family households and rental properties where tenants are less likely to treat and maintain your carpet with the same care as you would yourself.

Over the years this wear and tear can take its toll and lead to thinning and threadbare patches, especially in high traffic areas such as hallways, staircases and living areas.

Matting can also be a problem with time and is unfortunately not something that can usually be restored. Matting of carpet fibres tends to affect polyester carpets more, because while they can feel soft underfoot, they tend to have a weak resistance to matting.

Once your carpet starts to become threadbare and worn, it means it has definitely seen better days – time to invest in new carpet!As with staining and odours, making the right carpet choice for your needs from the outset is your best defense against premature wear and replacement.

Steer clear of polyester carpets, and opt for carpets with soft but strong fibres that can resist wear and matting. Eco Plus carpet fibres have a unique combination of strength and softness, manufactured with Soft to Touch™ technology. Its overall resilience plus comprehensive warranties make it a great, practical choice for busy households and rental properties that won’t let you down when it comes to style and comfort either. Desire carpet is another great choice when it comes to wear resistance, offering great durability with stain protection, soil and wear resistance warranties.

More: Investing in quality flooring with warranties you can rely on

Damp & Mould

Water damage and dampness is a killer for carpets, literally…substances like urine, vomit, or mould can cause bacteria to build up underneath your carpet with the only option for completely eradicating it being to replace it completely. If your property experiences any type of flooding, mould will follow so be sure to replace it before mould spores infest your carpet. If you’ve noticed you or other family members experiencing allergy flare-ups, or coughing and sneezing more than usual you may have a mould or mildew problem. The musty odour is usually a dead giveaway for mould but you can also get a mould test kit to test for levels in your carpet.

More: Allergy friendly home & flooring tips

Loss of Cushioning & Padding

One of the main benefits of choosing carpet over other flooring types is it’s soft cushioning and padding properties as well as its warmth and insulation. Once your carpet loses it’s padding , it’s not only less pleasant underfoot, (and much harder on your bones and joints), but it also means it has much less cushioning and protection in the case of slip and fall accidents, as well as a loss of its sound and temperature insulating properties.

Carpet padding essentially acts as a pillow beneath your carpet making it comfortable to sit and lie on as well as providing that buffer against noise and cold that we love carpet for. You can tell when your carpet padding has worn down by a lack of spring and give when applying pressure. It can also have a stretched, rippled or uneven appearance. If you notice any of these tell-tale signs or your floor is feeling much harder underfoot (more like concrete than carpet), it could be time to replace.

More: How do I care for carpet?

Outdated style

Not only is old, warn, smelly or stained carpet unpleasant to look at and come home too, but it can also really devalue your home or rental property. Replacing tired carpet and giving your home or investment property a lick of paint is one of the best and most affordable ways to refurbish and add value. It’s relatively quick and easy too, so you can do it in between tenants to boost your property’s rental appeal & return, or before you put your home or property up for sale. It is amazing the difference that new carpet and a lick of paint can make to the appearance of a property and as far as a quick face lift is concerned, it is hard to beat in terms of best bang for buck.

Having clean, soft, high quality carpet underfoot also makes a big difference to how you and your family feel at home, especially if any members of your household are susceptible to asthma or allergies.

More: Great styles to choose from, see our Flooring magazine

Are you considering new flooring options for your home, office or rental property? Contact your local Carpet One store to get expert flooring advice tailored to your needs.

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