In short
- Most homes: every 12 to 18 months.
- Homes with pets, young children or allergies: every 6 to 12 months.
- Offices and shops: busy walkways more often than the whole floor.
A quick guide
| Situation | How often |
|---|---|
| Adults only, shoes off at the door | Every 12 to 18 months |
| Young children or pets | Every 6 to 12 months |
| Someone in the home with allergies or asthma | Every 6 to 12 months, with weekly vacuuming |
| Moving out of a rental | Before the final inspection, if the carpet needs it |
| Busy office or shop | Walkways every 3 to 6 months; the whole floor yearly |
Signs it's time
- Grey or dull lanes in hallways and between rooms.
- Flattened pile that doesn't spring back after vacuuming.
- A musty or stale smell, especially on warm days.
- Spots that come back after you've cleaned them.
- Colours that look duller than the carpet under furniture.
Vacuuming matters more than you think
Most of the soil in carpet is dry grit, and grit wears fibres down like sandpaper. Vacuum busy areas at least weekly, go slowly so the brush has time to work, and put a good mat at every outside door. Carpet that's vacuumed well needs deep cleaning less often.
Spot clean between professional cleans
Deal with spills as soon as they happen, and they're far less likely to become stains. Our carpet stain first aid guide covers the right first steps for common spills.
Rentals and carpet cleaning
If you rent in Victoria, you're expected to leave the property reasonably clean and in the same condition as when you moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear. Carpet that's stained or smells is part of that. Our end of lease cleaning checklist explains when professional cleaning can and can't be required.
