It's not always obvious when carpet needs to be replaced. You may not be sure whether you can get a few more years out of it, or whether you should replace it immediately. Thankfully, five factors will help you determine if it's time for a new carpet. Here's a closer look.
1. Stubborn Odors
If your home always seems to have a musty, dirty smell no matter how often you clean, your carpet may be to blame. Especially when carpets are not shampooed regularly, dirt can work its way deep into the fibers, where it's tough to remove with a vacuum. Pet accidents may also lead to lingering carpet odors; it's hard to clean up the urine completely, especially if it soaks into the carpet padding.
You can try sprinkling your carpet with baking soda, letting the soda sit for a few hours and then vacuuming thoroughly. Hiring a carpet cleaning professional may also help remove odors. If the scent lingers in spite of these measures, it's probably time for new carpeting.
2. Moldy Spots
Mold can appear on the carpet if the carpet is not dried out promptly after shampooing, if you have a water leak or if your indoor humidity is consistently too high. You may be able to clean up a small spot or two of mold, but if the mold is seen through a significant portion of the carpet, you're probably better off replacing the carpet. Mold can cause serious health problems if it is not dealt with promptly.
Keep in mind, when you have the moldy carpet replaced, you'll first want to address the issues that led to the mold so your new carpet does not suffer the same fate. Have leaks repaired, install a dehumidifier or vow to hire a professional the next time your carpet needs shampooing.
3. Shrinkage
Poor-quality carpet, especially, may shrink and pull away from the walls after it is shampooed or exposed to moisture. Though there are ways to stretch the carpet, this often results in tears and other unsightly flaws. If you can afford to do so, the best choice is to have your shrunken carpet replaced. Consider choosing a material that's less likely to shrink, such as one with a jute backing or nylon fibers.
4. Worn Fibers
Carpet fibers in areas that receive high traffic tend to become frayed and matted down. Going over the area with a vacuum with a brush attachment may help breathe new life into a carpet with mild wear. Having the carpet shampooed may also help.
If one or more sections still look flat, lifeless and discolored after these treatments, then it's probably time for a new carpet.
5. Damaged Seams
If a carpet is installed properly and is in good shape, you should not be able to tell where the seams are. If the seams have become obvious and the carpet is beginning to peel up at the seams, your carpet company may be able to come reseal the seams. However, in most cases, resealing the seams is a temporary fix, and ultimately, a carpet that's beginning to come apart at the seams is due to be replaced.
Failing to replace a moldy, worn or smelly carpet is not just a matter of appearance, it is also a matter of good health. A carpet that's harboring mold, bacteria or pet accidents can make your home uncomfortable and unsafe. If you notice any of these signs, and measures like vacuuming and shampooing don't fix them, replacing your carpet is a wise choice.
Contact Carpet Mart?to learn about our many different carpet styles and colors. We can work with your budget to find the best carpet for your home.
