Cleaning is dramatically cheaper than replacement, so it is worth trying first in most cases — but not all. Some conditions cannot be cleaned away because the fibre or the backing has failed.
Here is how to tell the difference before spending money either way.
Signs cleaning will help
These are soiling problems, and soiling responds to cleaning.
- Dull, grey traffic lanes where the pile is still upright
- General dinginess across the floor rather than localised damage
- Specific spills and stains on otherwise sound carpet
- Odour with an identifiable, treatable source
Signs replacement is the honest answer
These are structural or fibre failures that cleaning cannot reverse.
- Pile worn flat to the backing in traffic lanes, with fibre abraded away
- Delamination — backing separating, causing ripples or loose sections
- Widespread bleaching, dye loss or heavy sun fading
- Burns, tears or contamination that has soaked through underlay to the subfloor
Weighing it up
Compare the cleaning cost against replacement including underlay, fitting, furniture moving and disposal. If cleaning buys several more years, it is usually the better decision.
A cleaner willing to tell you a carpet is beyond saving is more useful than one who takes the booking regardless.