Carpet Cleaning Frequencies: Industry Recommendations for Facility Maintenance

When was the last time your facility’s carpet received professional cleaning attention? According to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), maintaining regular carpet cleaning schedules is essential for both appearance and longevity.

The Reality of Carpet Cleaning Schedules

Most commercial facilities only address carpet cleaning when:

Visible soiling becomes obvious
Someone specifically points out the carpet’s condition
After significant spills or incidents

Unfortunately, this reactive approach misses the preventative benefits of regular maintenance. As many facility managers discover, waiting until carpets look visibly soiled means significant dirt buildup has already occurred below the surface.

Why Regular Cleaning Gets Overlooked

Several factors contribute to delayed carpet maintenance:

Carpet cleaning isn’t typically “top of mind” for busy facility managers
Budget constraints push non-urgent maintenance to the backburner
Without a designated person responsible for maintenance scheduling, cleaning intervals become inconsistent
The “out of sight, out of mind” principle applies when gradual soiling occurs

IICRC Recommended Cleaning Frequencies

The IICRC suggests tailoring commercial carpet cleaning programs based on traffic patterns and soil levels:

High-Traffic Areas (lobbies, entrances, primary corridors): Low-moisture cleaning multiple times weekly, with deep cleaning monthly
Medium-Traffic Areas (secondary hallways, conference rooms): Monthly maintenance cleaning with quarterly deep cleaning
Light-Traffic Areas (peripheral spaces, rarely used rooms): Quarterly maintenance with annual or biannual deep cleaning

A comprehensive approach often involves multiple cleaning methods at different frequencies to maintain appearance while controlling soil buildup throughout your facility.

Extend Your Carpet’s Life Through Professional Maintenance

Regular professional cleaning not only preserves your carpet’s appearance but also:

Extends carpet lifespan significantly
Improves indoor air quality
Removes allergens and contaminants
Maintains professional appearance for visitors and employees

Paul Durham, CEO
CD Industries, Inc.
(DBA) Sensational Touch Janitorial and Supply
336-813-0746