Can you sanitize a carpet?

Whether you just moved into a new home or noticed your carpets looking dingy, you may be wondering if it’s possible to sanitize carpets. The short answer is yes, you can sanitize carpets, but the process is more involved than simply running a vacuum over them. Properly sanitizing carpets requires using the right products and techniques to penetrate deep into the carpet fibers where dirt, germs, and allergens hide.

What does it mean to sanitize a carpet?

Sanitizing a carpet means deep cleaning the fibers to remove dirt, debris, germs, bacteria, allergens, and any other contaminants. This goes beyond regular vacuuming which only removes some surface-level dirt and dust. True sanitization requires using products that disinfect and kill germs while also extracting deeply embedded particulates.

When done properly, sanitizing leaves your carpet clean and free of the microscopic organisms that can lead to illness or allergic reactions. It should eliminate odors and leave your carpet fresh. A sanitized carpet is safer for children and pets who spend time playing on the floor.

Why sanitize your carpets?

There are several reasons you may want to sanitize your carpets:

• Eliminate odors – Over time, carpets trap unpleasant odors from pets, smoke, cooking, mold, and mildew. Sanitizing helps destroy these odors at their source within the carpet fibers.
• Remove allergens – Carpets easily collect dust, pollen, pet dander and other allergens. Sanitizing removes these particles for a healthier home environment.
• Prevent mold growth – Moisture in carpets can lead to mold growth. Sanitizing kills mold spores and inhibits future growth.
• Get rid of fleas or bedbugs – These pesky insects can infest carpets. Sanitizing kills fleas, bedbugs, and their eggs.
• Improve appearance – Sanitizing removes stains and embedded dirt to make your carpets look clean and vibrant again.
• Extend carpet life – Regular sanitizing keeps carpets free of abrasive particles so they wear evenly and last longer.

Sanitizing is especially important if you have young children or family members with allergies. It creates a healthier home environment for your family.

How often should you sanitize carpets?

Most carpets need sanitizing every 12-18 months. High-traffic areas or homes with kids or pets may need it more frequently – as often as every 6-12 months. Set a reminder to sanitize your carpets on a regular schedule. It’s easier to maintain clean carpets with periodic sanitizing than to wait until they are heavily soiled.

Look for signs your carpet needs sanitizing like:

• Visible dirt or stains
• Flattened fibers in high traffic areas
• Foul odors even after vacuuming
• Increased allergies or illness
• Mold or mildew growth

Sanitize sooner if you notice these issues developing.

What’s needed to sanitize carpets?

Sanitizing carpets requires using a combination of cleaning solutions and equipment.

Cleaning solutions

There are a few essential cleaning agents needed to sanitize carpets:

• Alkaline cleaning solution – This breaks down grease, oils, proteins and carbohydrates that build up in carpet fibers.
• Acid rinse – An acidic rinse neutralizes carpet fibers and allows dirt residues to be rinsed away.
• Disinfectant – Disinfectants or sanitizers kill bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.
• Deodorizer – Deodorizers eliminate unpleasant odors trapped within carpet fibers.

Look for carpet cleaning solutions made specifically for sanitizing. Avoid bleach – it can damage carpet fibers. Vinegar can be used as a DIY alternative for an acid rinse.

Equipment

Using the right equipment is key to effectively sanitize carpets. Essential equipment includes:

• Hot water extraction cleaner – Also called a “steam cleaner”, these use hot water, cleaning solutions, and powerful suction to deeply penetrate and sanitize carpets.
• Handheld scrubber – For heavily soiled areas, a handheld scrubber pre-treats stains before extracting.
• Grooming rake – A grooming rake brings flattened fibers up right before steam cleaning.

Professional carpet cleaning companies have industrial-grade hot water extractors and scrubbers far more powerful than rental units. Their high-powered equipment ensures the deepest sanitizing clean.

How to sanitize carpets yourself

You can sanitize your own carpets using rented equipment and cleaning products from your local home improvement store. Here are the basic steps for DIY carpet sanitizing:

1. Vacuum thoroughly – Vacuum all traffic areas, under furniture, and along baseboards.
2. Pretreat stains – Use a handheld scrubber and cleaning solution to break down set-in stains.
3. Groom carpets – Rake flattened areas so they’ll respond better to steaming.
4. Fill extractor – Fill machine with very hot water and add carpet cleaning and sanitizing solutions.
5. Extract carpets – Work in sections, using the extractor to deep clean carpets with sanitizing solutions.
6. Allow drying – Follow instructions and allow carpets ample time to completely dry.
7. Allow ventilation – Open windows to ventilate the area while drying.
8. Vacuum again – Once fully dry, vacuum up any leftover cleaning residue.

It takes some practice to get DIY carpet sanitizing right. Be prepared for the process to take up most of your day. And you may need to repeat if not fully effective the first time.

Hiring professional carpet cleaners

Hiring professional carpet cleaners to sanitize your carpets has several advantages:

• Stronger equipment – Their industrial machines penetrate deeper for better sanitizing.
• Fewer residues – Professionals thoroughly rinse away cleaning solutions.
• Quicker drying – Powerful truck-mounted units extract maximum moisture for fast drying.
• No hassle – Professionals handle the heavy lifting of furniture and equipment.
• Expertise – They know the best methods, solutions, and pre-treatments.
• Efficiency – Carpet cleaners can sanitize a home much quicker than DIY.

Professional steam cleaning services may charge around $.25-.35 per sq. foot for sanitizing.

Questions to ask professional carpet cleaners:

• What type of sanitizing do you offer?
• What equipment and solutions do you use?
• How long will it take for carpets to dry?
• Do you move furniture or should it be cleared?
• Are your cleaning solutions safe for kids and pets?
• Do you offer stain pre-treatment and deodorizing?
• What are your upfront pricing and payment terms?

Reputable professional cleaners should fully sanitize carpets in one visit. Be wary of low prices from companies that cut corners on proper sanitizing.

Tips for effective carpet sanitizing

Follow these tips for the most effective carpet sanitizing:

• Start with vacuuming – Vacuum thoroughly to remove loose surface dirt before sanitizing.
• Move furniture – Furniture should be moved to clean fully underneath and along baseboards.
• Pretreat spots and stains – Tough stains need pretreated for the best results.
• Allow adequate drying time – Wait until carpets are completely dry before returning furniture.
• Ventilate – Open windows and use fans to speed drying.
• Consider adding a disinfectant – Adding an antimicrobial disinfectant provides extra protection.
• Change HVAC filter – Replace the furnace filter after sanitizing to keep air ducts clean.

Allowing proper dry time is key. Wet carpets left too long can develop mold and mildew issues. Plan accordingly so carpets dry completely within 24-48 hours.

What to expect after carpet sanitizing

Once your carpets are professionally sanitized, you should notice:

• No leftover cleaning residues or sticky detergent film
• Fresh, clean scent free of any unpleasant odors
• Carpets dried completely within 24 hours
• Colors look vibrant and fibers fully lifted
• High traffic areas free of matting and flattening
• A visibly deeper and more thorough clean

Properly sanitized carpets should remain fresh and clean longer between regular vacuuming and maintenance. Though carpets may appear clean, deep sanitizing removes hidden buildup that causes carpets to show traffic patterns and wear prematurely.

Tips for maintaining sanitized carpets

To keep your carpets fresh after sanitizing:

• Vacuum high traffic areas frequently, at least twice weekly
• Clean spills immediately to prevent stains
• Consider “no shoes” rules for indoor areas with carpet
• Use carpet protector spray to repel new stains
• Follow manufacturer’s directions for cleaning specific carpet types
• Have pets groomed frequently to reduce dander and dirt
• Schedule professional sanitizing every 12-18 months

Properly maintained, sanitized carpets should stay clean and fresh for years before needing replacement.

When to call in carpet repair pros

If your carpets are showing any of these issues, contact a professional carpet repair service:

• Severe staining that requires dyeing or carpet patch
• Pet urine odors that persist after sanitizing
• Holes, burns, or tears that require patching
• Seams coming undone and need re-stretching
• Crushed or matted carpet fibers that resist lifting
• Signs of water damage like mold, mildew, or delamination

Carpet repair experts have specialized tools to repair carpet damage and restore their appearance. For severe pet urine or smoke odors, replacement may be the only option.

Costs of common carpet repairs:

Service	Average Cost
Stain removal	$50+
Pet urine treatment	$100+
Burn repair	$150+ per burn
Patching holes	$100-$300
Seam repair	$200+
Carpet patch	$300+
Carpet re-stretch	$300+
Smoke damage cleaning	$300+

For water and flood damage, costs depend on the affected area size. Get quotes from at least 3 repair pros before hiring.

When it’s time to replace carpets

Even properly sanitized, carpets wear out over time. Signs you may need new carpets include:

• Visible traffic patterns and flattening
• Carpets older than 8-10 years
• Extensive pet urine staining
• Pervasive odors that sanitizing can’t remove
• Mold or mildew growth deep in carpet backing
• Sections feeling damp or squishy
• Carpets separating from the backing
• Fraying or unraveling seams

Shopping for new carpets? Look for quality carpet types like:

Carpet Type	Features
Nylon	Most durable, stain resistant, fade resistant
Wool	Luxurious, durable, holds dyes well, expensive
Polyester	Colorfast, budget-friendly, less durable than nylon
Olefin	Moisture resistant, good for basements, affordable
SmartStrand (Triexta)	Soft, durable, stain resistant

Work with an experienced carpet retailer to find carpets suited for your home and lifestyle. Be sure to factor in professional installation costs.

Conclusion

Sanitizing carpets takes more than just vacuuming but yields valuable benefits. The right hot water extraction equipment paired with cleaning agents can deep clean carpets of dirt, allergens, germs, and odors. While renting equipment for DIY sanitizing is possible, hiring professional carpet cleaners usually yields superior results. Keep carpets fresh between periodic sanitizing by prompt daily vacuuming and spot cleaning.