With each type of damage and type of carpet, there can be different end solutions to each scenario but there are definitely some signs that can indicate whether carpet can be restored or needs to be replaced.
Sometimes this might be a question with only one possible answer, but there are times when one might be unsure if carpet needs to be cleaned or replaced in your home in Pratt, Kansas. In general, carpet has a lifespan of 5 to 15 years. Usually, though, carpet is replaced about every 6 to 7 years. This can vary based on how busy the home is and how well taken care of it is. If there is a lot of traffic on the carpet or other accidental spills or water damage, the lifespan of the carpet may be shorter.
A lot of times the answer depends majorly on what type of damage the carpet has experienced in Pratt, Kansas. With each type of damage and type of carpet, there can be different end solutions to each scenario but there are definitely some signs that can indicate that a carpet can be cleaned and restored or if it needs to be replaced. Let’s talk a bit about three of the more common reasons we’d ask ourselves this question.
NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR
Usual wear and tear includes high-traffic areas that see more feet coming and going, and are going to be dirtier, more stained, and become worn faster in homes throughout Pratt, Kansas. Carpets wear because the particulate soils that we track onto it every day are abrasive to the carpet fiber. As shoes repeatedly push down, carpet fibers will break down over time. And it’s not just foot traffic – dragging suitcases, toys, furniture and other items across the floor damages carpet fibers in the same way. If you are starting to notice that the heavy traffic areas are looking discolored or a bit matted down, this is a good indication that carpet cleaning is a good idea. If, however, you are seeing areas of torn carpet, worn patches that are very thin, fraying, and other more extreme signs of wear and tear, that could be an indication that the carpet may be reaching the end of its lifespan.
PET DAMAGE
Our pets in Pratt, Kansas, are adorable and cute despite the fact that they may have accidents once in a while on our carpet. If these accidents are not cleaned up quickly, discoloration, odors, and stains can occur from pet stains. Discoloration from pet stains is very difficult to correct, and pet urine crystalizes and turns into a gas, which is why you detect it, even at times after the carpet has been cleaned. If your pet urinates on your carpet, it’s important to assess whether the urine is only on the surface of your carpet or if it has sunk below the carpet into the pad and subfloor to figure out what your best options are. Depending on the size of the area that is damaged and the time the stain has been on the carpet, having the carpet professionally cleaned would be a good place to start. If the carpet has a large area that is damaged and the stain has made its way down to the carpet or sub-floor the issue will likely need to be solved by fully replacing the carpet in that area.
WATER DAMAGE & MOLD
When a water damage event occurs in Pratt, Kansas, such as a leak or flood, mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours. Generally speaking, that’s because the mold floating around in the air has settled on carpets and then become hydrated from an active water source, such as a leak or some sort of water damage. Molds can gradually destroy the things they grow on, such as carpet or carpet padding. It is best to get the carpet and padding completely dry and cleaned within 48 hours, given the growth rate for mold. The age and quality of the carpet and pad will be key factors in deciding whether to clean or replace the carpet after a water damage event. If it is clean water from a broken pipe that’s not mixed with contaminate on carpet it is possible to save and clean the carpet if it has been wet for less than 24-48 hours. If the water damage involved is from greywater or blackwater which are heavy with contaminates, sewage, or other harmful substances, it is usually recommended that the carpet be replaced. If mold itself is discovered it is usually recommended to replace the carpet and padding of the mold damaged area.
SIGNS THE CARPET MAY BE IN NEED OF CLEANING or REPLACING
- Visible stains and dirt
- Allergies or asthma symptoms
- Odor or smell from the carpet
- Pets have been on the carpet
- Signs or evidence of mold or mildew
If you suspect or see signs of mold or experience a water damage event in Pratt, Kansas, that puts your carpet’s future in question, please contact us at FreshCo Cleaning and Restoration. We can assess the situation and help get your home back to its original condition.
“Wonderful customer service and very friendly and easy to talk to! Very good quality work at a fair price! Highly recommend this company!!”
— Lisa T. in Buhler, Kansas
