Whether you have wall-to-wall carpet in every room or accent rugs over hard floors, there will come a time when these textiles need replacing. Carpet fibers not only collect dust and dirt, but they wear down over time, especially when it’s not properly maintained. Learn how long your rugs are meant to last and the signs you may need to consider carpet replacement.

The Life Span of Carpet

Many factors contribute to the longevity of carpeting and rugs:

• Materials. Investing in high-quality wool or durable nylon last longer than cheaper alternatives.
• Use. Consider the materials when deciding where the floor covering will go. Choose a more durable or washable design in high-traffic areas and one made to resist moisture if being placed in a basement, bathroom, or outdoors.
• Traffic. Carpets and rugs on steps, in hallways, and other high-traffic areas will wear faster, especially if there are pets and children in the house.
• Maintenance. Dirt and stains break down the textile fibers faster. Regular cleaning can help carpet last longer.

Depending on these elements, a rug or carpet can typically last anywhere from five to 15 years. If you properly maintain a high-quality carpet, you can enjoy it’s look and feel under your feet for more than a decade. But once your floors start showing signs of wear, it may be time to consider replacement.

Signs it’s Time for Carpet Replacement

Since carpets can collect stains and trap dirt and allergens, sometimes it’s beyond the point of deep cleaning. Not only is worn carpet hard to look at, but it can start affecting your health. Here are some signs it’s time to consider replacing your rugs and carpet.

1. Rips, tears, or worn-down tracks. Repairing these spots may not be worth the effort, especially if your carpet is old.
2. Multiple stains. Spot cleaning one stain may be easy, but after a while multiple stains becomes more work.
3. Odors. If you’ve regularly cleaned your carpet and still experience a musty odor, it could be a sign of mold, mildew, dusty fibers, or worn padding beneath the carpet.
4. Flooding. Saturated carpet usually doesn’t dry fast enough to prevent mold and mildew from forming.
5. Discoloration. Carpet can fade overtime, creating visible patches once furniture is moved.
6. Allergies. If you experience more frequent symptoms, it could be from dusty particles of broken down carpet fibers.

Carpets nearing the 15 year mark are more than likely in need of replacement, especially if they haven’t been professionally cleaned on a regular basis. It’s also a great time to reevaluate your flooring needs and consider what covering would work best in your space.