Signs you need to replace your carpet

If your carpet is looking a little tired and worn, it might be time to replace it; however, how do you know whether it needs pulling up or if a little TLC can restore it to its former glory?

It looks flat and worn

If your carpet simply looks flat, giving it a good going over with your vacuum’s brush attachment might be enough to give it a new lease of life. Depending on the type of carpet, the action of brushing up the pile and removing ground-in dust and debris might work wonders; however, if it is heavily worn and vacuuming has little to no effect, it is time to replace it.

It is frayed in places

There is no easy fix for fraying, so your carpet will need replacing. Pets with sharp claws can cause fraying in carpets, so opt for something durable – and preferably with a short pile that can withstand busy paws – if you have furry friends in your home. You can disguise small patches of fraying with rugs or move your furniture around, but the only real fix is replacing the carpet.

It is stained

Many stains can be removed using specialist carpet cleaners or traditional home remedies; however, if you have tried everything and stubborn stains remain, replacing your carpet is the only real option. Professional carpet cleaners might have better results than home remedies; however, there are no guarantees. Unless it is a very expensive carpet, the easiest option is often to buy a new one. For rooms such as dining rooms in which spills are common, it is a good idea to opt for a carpet that comes pre-treated with a stain-resistant product.

Your allergies are getting worse

This one might come as a surprise, but carpet fibres can hold on to common allergens such as animal dander, pollen, and dust, even with regular vacuuming. If you find your allergy symptoms worsen, it could be time to give your carpet a deep clean. If this doesn’t help or is not possible, it could well be time to replace your carpet. While smooth flooring such as laminate or vinyl is preferable for allergy sufferers, choose a low pile carpet so there are fewer places for the allergens to cling to if you can’t bear to give up carpeted floors.

It is faded

This is common in rooms that experience a lot of sunlight, and the only option is a replacement. Fading tends to be more noticeable when you move furniture that has been in place for a long time.