Here we are going to discuss cleaning your stain resistant carpet. The question we get from customers is “Do we have to clean our stain resistant carpet?” If so, “How Often?” The answer to the cleaning question is yes…yes and again yes! How often depends on how active your home is. We will discuss this more later.

First, let’s start off by discussing the “Do I need to clean my Stain Resistant carpet” side of things. This is one of the biggest myths/misconceptions in the carpet cleaning industry and here’s why. First, how did the myth get started? The answer, who knows and we don’t care…just saying! Seriously, its exactly that and it’s not true!

Second, what is stain resistant carpet. Basically, its carpet that is treated with a PTFE/Teflon Coating to protect the fiber from absorbing and retaining stains. In other words, the stain cannot penetrate the fiber. Its actually more complicated than that, as companies now are more into fiber technology instead of topical/surface treatments. But, this article is about whether you need to clean your carpet that has stain resistance. As it states above, stain resistance is exactly that…stain resistance only…nothing else! We clean stain resistant carpet on a daily basis and pull just as much contaminated soil from it as we do non-treated stain resistant carpet. Stain resistant carpet will hold dirt and debris just like any other carpet. Therefore, you need to clean it just as often as non-treated carpet. The difference is it “Will Not” stain and look as soiled! Some might mistake this for a reason not to clean their carpet. All because it does not look stained, does NOT mean the carpet is not soiled! My point, you cannot stop carpet from becoming soiled…not going to happen! Also, no such products exists on the market today. The bottom line, whether your carpet is stain resistant or not, you still need to have it cleaned regularly. So, if your concerned about the overall health of your carpet such as dust mites, dander, allergens and bacteria from drink spills and food contamination, then stain resistance has nothing to do with any of those types of issues. Again, this whole topic is based on a popular myth! A myth that’s just not true!

You should determine your carpet cleaning schedule on how active your home is. Yes, there are guidelines on “How Often” but, they are exactly that…guidelines… that’s all! The real answer is stated above. For example, if your home has mom, dad, 3 children and 2 dogs, then yes, your going to clean your carpet more often than a home with less activity. One thing we have found is that pets contribute to a majority of staining and soiling issues. Whether pet urine or just heavy traffic areas, our little furry friends are hard on carpet. Basically, more pets…more cleaning! Two to three times a year would be recommend for a active home with children and pets. Really, only you can determine when you think a cleaning is necessary. Other things you can look for is excessive visual staining such as drink spills and food contamination. Typically, you will notice the evolution of “ODOR” issues with heavy food contamination causing bacterial growth. It’s the same with pet’s. Also, keep in mind the landscape of where you live. More humid, muddy areas will cause more soil than dry ones. Either way, if your looking for what the industry standard is, then having your carpet cleaned 2-3 times a year is what most companies will tell you. It’s not a bad way of looking at it, but it’s a guideline…that’s all.