The short answer is that you should clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months. You can do it yourself using a steam cleaner, or you can call in a professional carpet cleaning service.

If you have children and pets, however, that timetable changes. So here’s what you need to know.

If You’ve Got Children

If you have little ones you know how often they can spill and splatter, and how many times you’ve traced their muddy shoeprints through the house. Areas of your carpet that take such a beating may need to be cleaned as often as every six months in order to stay clean and fresh. You can rent a cleaner and handle the job yourself, if you feel it’s manageable.

If You’ve Got Fur Babies

The furry friends in your family present a challenge all their own. Dogs and cats can track dirt, grass, and other debris onto your carpet. As you know, they also shed and can sometimes have accidents. So, aside from vacuuming about twice a week, you should clean your pet’s high-traffic areas every three to six months, and clean the entire carpet twice per year.

If you want to get the smell of pet urine out of your carpet, blot the wet urine with a paper towel and use a vinegar and water solution to get rid of the odor—one part white vinegar, one part water. The vinegar neutralizes the ammonia smell without fading the fibers of your carpet.

If You’ve Got Both

Combined, children and pets are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to maintaining a clean and fresh carpet. If you’ve got both you should clean their high-traffic areas every two to three months, and clean your entire carpet quarterly.

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