The Ultimate Pet Owner’s Guide to Carpet Cleaning
Pets are a joy to have around the house, but a nuisance for well-manicured carpets. As any pet parent will attest, fur has a habit of getting everywhere. It’s a pain to get out of carpet fibers — and can trigger a host of allergies. Accident prone pets, on the other hand, can leave your rug — and home — emitting a nasty odor for weeks on end.
It’s no surprise then that one of the most prominent questions experts of rug cleaning in Los Angeles are asked is this — How often should I clean my rug if I have pets?
The answer? It depends. Factors like where the rug is placed, how often you opt for professional vs DIY rug cleaning, and your pet’s habits all play a role in determining a fur carpet cleaning schedule.
Learn more in this pet owner’s guide to carpet cleaning.
Why RUG Cleaning is Essential for Pet Owners
When you have a pet — or multiple — running around the house, fur carpet cleaning becomes more than just a routine chore; it’s a crucial step in protecting your health.
The fur from pets and carpet fibers are both magnets for bacteria, mold, and fungi — which are associated with a wide range of respiratory illnesses. This is particularly dangerous among vulnerable groups or those with allergies. Meanwhile, pet fur that settles deep in the carpet also ends up being an invisible breeding ground for several infections. It severely decreases the air quality of the room, without ever being noticed.
But it’s not just fur that you need to worry about. Carpets that have been victims of accidents must be cleaned thoroughly. Urine can leave behind stubborn rug stains and pollute the air with ammonia.
So the real question isn’t why carpet cleaning and pets should go hand in hand — it’s how often should you clean your rug with pets to maintain a healthy, clean home?
Why RUG Cleaning is Essential for Pet Owners
If you allow pets on carpets, you must set and abide by a strict maintenance routine. Here are some factors you should consider when deciding the rug cleaning frequency.
Size/Breed of Your Pet
How long does a carpet last with pets? A lot depends on your pet’s size and breed. Larger animals tend to shed more fur, track in more dirt, and put more physical stress on a carpet. Breeds with big coats — like golden retrievers, huskies, or labradors — are also known to shed a lot more, requiring more frequent cleaning. Even though smaller pets don’t shed as much, they tend to cause more trouble by urinating on the rugs.
Number of Pets in Your Home
It may sound obvious, but it needs to be said: The more pets you have, the more you have to clean. Each pet leaves behind more dander, more fur, and increases the risk of accidents. In multi-pet homes, vacuuming once a week won’t cut it. Daily vacuuming will be ideal and professional cleaning at least every 6 months.
How Often Pets Go Outdoors
Pets that go outside are more likely to track in mud, allergens, moisture, and debris — all of which can lodge deep into a carpet’s fibers. This can not only ruin your rug, but expose you to all those health risks we addressed earlier.
If you’re wondering how to keep a carpet clean with dogs who love the outdoors, consider placing mats at main entrances, or cleaning your dog’s paws more frequently.
Rug Material
Different carpet materials respond differently to pet-related wear. Synthetic carpets (like nylon or polyester) are more stain-resistant and durable, while natural fibers (like wool) absorb stains more easily. Similarly, shag carpets trap more fur and debris than those with short fibers. So, if you’re wondering how often should you shampoo carpets, the rug’s material and make should give you a clue.
Recommended Cleaning Schedule for Pet Owners
Understanding how often to clean rugs with pets can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. The ideal cleaning routine depends on the factors outlined above, but here’s a general framework you can follow:
Immediate Accident Response: If a pet pees on the carpet, address it immediately. The longer a substance like urine sits, the deeper it penetrates fibers and padding, making it exponentially more difficult to remove later.
Weekly Vacuuming: For most pet owners, vacuuming 1-2 times per week is enough. However, homes with multiple pets or heavy shedders may require daily attention. Especially if you allow pets on carpets.
Monthly Treatments: Along with frequent vacuuming, a monthly intensive spot clean can help prevent bad odors from spreading, and improves the general lifespan of a rug.
Professional Cleaning Every 3-6 Months: While annual cleaning might be enough for some, homes that allow pets on carpets need professional urine treatment and rug cleaning more often.
Why Pet Owners Need Professional Cleaning Solutions
While regular vacuuming is essential, professional cleaning services offer advantages that DIY methods cannot match. Thomas Rug Cleaning in Los Angeles, for example, use specialized equipment and techniques designed specifically for pets on rugs.
A professional clean can extract deeply embedded pet dander and allergens that regular vacuuming misses. Here at Thomas Rug Cleaning based in Los Angeles we often pick up and delivery options in all Southern California, making easier for you to maintain your rugs without distrusting your schedule.
How to Keep a Carpet Clean With Dogs: 4 Steps
Maintaining clean carpets in a home with pets takes more than just regular vacuuming — it’s about creating simple, consistent habits that reduce buildup in the first place. When you’re not actively vacuuming the rug, make sure you:
- Groom pets regularly: Grooming minimizes shedding and keeps fur from embedding deep in carpet fibers in the first place.
- Buy a Rug Pad: In the unfortunate case of an accident, a solid pet barrier rug pad can be a crucial element in reducing the damage. It prevents liquid from seeping through and staining the floor. Ask about the rug pads we provide.
- Place Mats at Entrances: Stopping the dirt and debris from being tracked indoors with a cleverly placed mat saves you a lot of time in the long-run.
- Run an Air Purifier: If you’re worried about airborne dander, or bacteria impacting your family, use an air purifier to keep your home safe from pollutants.
These small adjustments, when paired with routine maintenance and professional cleaning, go a long way in minimizing damage from pets on carpets.
Keep Pets and Carpets Safe with Thomas Rug Cleaning Co.
For over a century, Thomas Rug Cleaning Co. has offered homeowners tailored solutions to increase the longevity of their rugs — whether through expert restoration services, deep soaks and cleans, or urine removal treatments.
If you’re looking for solutions that improve the lives of both pets and carpets, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.
