When To Replace Your Old Area Rug - The Carpet Workroom (2024)

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  • October 20, 2021

When To Replace Your Old Area Rug

Area rugs don’t last forever and there comes a time when you have to say goodbye to the old, and say hello to the new! A rug’s life span varies based on the regular maintenance and the amount of foot traffic in the home. Families with little ones are going to see more wear and tear. Likewise, muddy paws and shedding fur from pets will accelerate your area rug’s aging. There are definitely a few red flags to look out for to know when it’s time to replace your old area rug.

A quality rug should last about 10 years. Here are three signs saying it is time to replace your old area rug.

When To Replace Your Old Area Rug - The Carpet Workroom (2)

Sign 1: Unsightly Stains

With the right cleaning supplies and regular professional cleaning, you can eliminate hard-to-remove stains from your area rug. With any home, particularly one with pets and children, stains are bound to happen. Keep in mind making sure you are using the correct cleaning supplies to avoid damaging the fibers and dyes in your rug.

Sign 2: Yucky Smells

Another sign that you need to to replace your old area rug is an odd smell. If an unpleasant odor is coming from your carpet, it very well could be mold. A professional rug cleaner might be able to save the rug, but you should consider your health first and foremost. Mold and other allergens can contribute to allergies and related health problems.

Sign 3: Excessive Wear & Tear

Carpets located in a living or family room or by the front entrance of the home versus a bedroom, will wear out faster. They’re going to see more foot traffic. Signs of rug wear and tear include worn fabric, faded color and matted fibers. There is no way to restore wear and tear on an area rug.

How to lengthen the lifespan of your area rugs

The typical lifespan of area rugs run anywhere from 5 to 10 years. The longevity will depend not only on your home’s foot traffic, but also on how you maintain your rug. We have a few tips on proper area rug maintenance:

Our number rule at The Carpet Workroom we always share with our customers and clients, is shoes should not be worn on any carpet. That means area rugs, wall-to-wall carpeting and stair runners!

Shaking: Before you clean your rug, take it outside and shake loose any large debris. Shaking the rug will help make a deep cleaning more effective.

Vacuuming: Vacuuming your rug is an easy and inexpensive way to keep it clean and allergen-free.

Stain Removal: When stains appear on any carpet — either from a spill or accident — take care of it sooner than later. Always be sure to use the correct cleaning products. We highly recommend white diluted vinegar as a great home remedy.

Annual Deep Cleaning: Your area rug should have a deep cleaning at least once a year! Please email us at info@carpetworkroom.com to inquire about having your carpets cleaned. Our professional carpet cleaners can help preserve the original quality of your rug.

If you keep an eye out for these signs, you’ll know exactly when to replace your old area rugs. But if you’re ready to shop for a new area rug, please email us at info@carpetworkroom.com to inquire!

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When To Replace Your Old Area Rug - The Carpet Workroom (2024)

FAQs

When To Replace Your Old Area Rug - The Carpet Workroom? ›

Signs of rug wear and tear include worn fabric, faded color and matted fibers. There is no way to restore wear and tear on an area rug. The typical lifespan of area rugs run anywhere from 5 to 10 years. The longevity will depend not only on your home's foot traffic, but also on how you maintain your rug.

How often should you replace your area rug? ›

Rugs, even high-quality ones, have a lifespan of about five to 10 years, influenced by factors like foot traffic and care. Signs for replacement include stubborn stains, persistent odors, visible wear, or the rug not laying flat.

How do you know if your carpet is worn out? ›

Wrinkles in your carpet are a good indicator that you need new carpet. Another sign of worn-out padding is uneven carpet. Areas in your carpet that are higher or lower than other areas indicate that your carpet padding needs to be replaced, and so does your carpet.

Is 30 year old carpet unhealthy? ›

Several factors contribute to the potential health risks associated with old carpets: Accumulation of dust, dirt, and allergens: Over time, carpets trap dust, dirt, pet dander, and other allergens. These allergens can trigger respiratory problems like asthma and allergies, especially for individuals with sensitivities.

Should 20 year old carpet be replaced? ›

Good quality carpet can easily last 20 years though by that time you'll probably have some stains you can't remove, plus some wear pattern.

How many years is carpet good for? ›

The average carpet lifespan is between 5 and 15 years, but if you keep your carpet in good shape, it may last much longer than that. If you find that your carpet is in bad shape, you might want to consider getting it professionally replaced. To learn more, browse your carpet options here.

Should you ever put a rug on carpet? ›

Designers say that rugs can be layered over carpet if they are low profile and properly sized for the room. However, if you dislike how it looks, don't layer. Your space should reflect your personal style and design choices. Your home should feel like you.

Should I replace 15 year old carpet? ›

However, if your carpet is more than 10-15 years old, it may need to be replaced. Carpets and rugs are often the first places that show wear and tear. You may notice fraying, discoloration, or just general deterioration over time. If your carpet is starting to show these signs, it may be time to replace it.

What does bad carpet look like? ›

Last but not least, signs of old carpet include but are not limited to: color loss, fading, matting, ripples, wrinkles and lack of padding support.

What carpet to avoid? ›

Cut Pile Carpets

One of the types of carpets deemed worst for high traffic areas is the cut pile carpet— a style that has been sheared so that its carpet fiber ends are exposed.

Do all carpets have dust mites? ›

German research has shown that carpets are by no means an ideal breeding ground for house dust mites. Temperature and relative humidity are very important factors if house dust mites are to thrive. The three-dimensional pile structure of carpets traps fine allergen particles until the carpet is next vacuumed.

Is my old carpet making me sick? ›

In fact, your old carpet may be making you sick and costing you more money in the long run. Carpet traps in dirt, mold, dust mites and other allergens and over time it gets worse. Every time you go outdoors, you attract allergens and other nasty particles that you then bring back into your home with you.

How often should carpet be vacuumed? ›

Vacuum high traffic areas daily. Medium traffic areas should be vacuumed twice per week. Vacuum all areas at least once per week even if carpet or rug looks clean. Every 18 months, clean the carpets with professional hot water extraction to remove deeply embedded particles and oily dirt.

Does replacing old carpet increase value of home? ›

Here are a few ROI estimates from the experts at USA Today that break down flooring values. Most experts believe you can expect a 50% to 80% ROI for installing new carpet. Potential buyers will notice the carpet and appreciate how clean it is. The quality of the carpet also determines its ROI.

Does more expensive carpet last longer? ›

The look and feel of a carpet usually varies with price (in part due to the type of carpet and the colour/pattern). Expensive carpets look and feel more luxurious underfoot. The quality of the fibres and materials used is higher. They are and they will last longer and wear better.

Should I clean my rug or replace it? ›

Most heavily trafficked carpets and rugs don't last more than 5 years. If it is not visibly dirty or stained, it can most likely be cleaned. However, if your carpet is more than 10-15 years old, it may need to be replaced. Carpets and rugs are often the first places that show wear and tear.

How can you tell if a rug is good quality? ›

High-quality rugs are those wherein the number of knots woven per square inch is more or dense. Weaving or tying more knots lead to more time and energy consumption. Not to forget this also adds material quantity. Hence, high-quality area rugs are more expensive than low-quality ones.

How often should you get a new living room rug? ›

The typical lifespan of area rugs is anywhere from 5 to 10 years. The longevity will depend not only on your home's foot traffic but also on how you maintain your rug.

Should I vacuum my rug everyday? ›

How often should you vacuum fabrics, carpet, and rugs? Anything with fabric or upholstery needs frequent vacuuming. Dust settles deep into the fibers, holding onto pollutants, bacteria, and unwanted smells. Plan to vacuum carpet and area rugs at least twice per week, even if they don't look dirty.

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