Carpet cleaning extends the life of your carpet – you probably knew that. Dirt in carpet acts like little knives, cutting the fibers as we walk on them. Keep it clean and you may get years of extra use from that carpet.

But what kind of cleaning should you do? How often should you get the carpet cleaned? What can you do to keep the cost down? Here are some answers.

Type Of Carpet Cleaning

“Dry cleaning” generally doesn’t use water. One type uses a foam that is applied, dried, and vacuumed up. Another uses a damp sawdust-like material which is brushed into your carpet by a machine, where it adheres to the dirt. It is vacuumed up when dry. The most common dry cleaning method uses a large circular cotton bonnet which spins and presumably “mops up” the dirt.

How deeply these methods clean is debatable. Also, none of them involve rinsing your carpet when done, so they may leave residue. For these and other reasons, what is called “steam cleaning” is generally the best way. It is actually hot-water extraction, although a lot of steam is produced.

Skip the do-it-yourself units if you want the really hot water and high powered suction necessary to deeply clean the carpet. Hire a service that uses a “truck mount” unit. These systems force hot water into carpet under high pressure. The water and dirt is quickly sucked out.

Some advantages: High heat kills a lot of bacteria, fungus, mold, and dust mites – unlike dry cleaning methods. Little or no residue is left if done properly, meaning there won’t be detergent in the fibers to attract dirt. The higher pressure and high powered vacuum action cleans deeper.

How Often?

Carpet cleaning as often as the cleaner says you should do it may not make sense. You’ll have to use your own judgment here, because no two houses are exactly the same. You might comfortably make it two years between cleanings if you have no kids, no pets, and you remove your shoes when you enter the home. Some families need their carpet cleaned every four or five months.

Paying Less

The obvious way to spend less on carpet cleaning is to do it less often by keeping it clean longer. Taking off shoes when inside is a good start. A rug by every door helps catch a lot of dirt that might otherwise make it into the carpet. Regular vacuuming can keep a carpet pretty clean as well.

Another way to pay less is to have just the “traffic areas” cleaned. Those are the areas where the carpet is exposed and walked on. The carpet actually doesn’t get that dirty under couches and chairs, so vacuuming is often good enough for these areas. Doing just the traffic areas means the cleaner doesn’t clean as much, and doesn’t have to move furniture. Not all cleaners will discount for this, but you can ask.

You can also skip the “stain treatments” that most cleaners will offer you. Many are not applying it properly in any case (it should not be in the cleaning solution, but raked into the carpet after cleaning). Again, this is a judgment call. On a large house you might spend up to $100 extra for this, so you have to ask yourself how many potential stains you are likely to prevent over the years.

Finally, carpet cleaning can be cheaper during tough times, when cleaners need the business. Apart from recessions, this generally means during the winter. Watch for specials – or ask for one.