How to Disinfect Carpet: Facts, Myths, and What You Can Do Yourself

Soft carpeting feels wonderful underfoot and is a great surface for young children. However, a carpet can also hold onto dirt, allergens, bacteria, smells, and stains, dulling its appearance and posing a health risk. It’s important to clean carpeting regularly, but how to disinfect a carpet isn’t straightforward. Learn how you can effectively clean a carpet yourself and when to call a pro.

How to Clean and Sanitize Carpet 

True carpet disinfection is not possible as a rule. You may see products that claim to disinfect carpeting, but this misrepresents their actual function. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), disinfecting a carpet would require strong solutions like bleach, which tend to damage the texture and color of carpet fibers. Instead, the best way to handle carpet cleaning is by sanitizing, which reduces household contamination to safe levels via deep cleaning.

To sanitize a carpet, follow the steps below as part of your regular carpet cleaning routine. You’ll need the following tools and supplies:

• Vacuum cleaner

• Steam carpet cleaner

• Sanitizing carpet cleaning solution

• Portable fans (optional)

1. Move Furniture

Move as much furniture as you can off of the carpet. Place a small piece of plastic under each leg of any piece of furniture you cannot move to prevent rust or wood varnish from staining the carpet while it's damp.

2. Vacuum to Remove Loose Soil

Set your vacuum to the appropriate height for your carpet pile, turn it on, and slowly drag it back and forth across the entire carpet to pick up as much debris as possible. Vacuum even where there isn't visible soil. If you can still hear particles entering the vacuum, go over the entire room multiple times to ensure you don't miss anything.

3. Deep Clean Using Hot Water Extraction

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your steam cleaner. You may need to mix your cleaning solution before adding it to the appliance. Ensure that you move slowly and cover the entire carpet.

4. Allow Carpet to Air Dry

Allow your carpet to air dry fully for at least eight hours. Don't allow foot traffic on the carpet during the drying process. If foot traffic is unavoidable, lay heavy towels down for people to walk on. Remove these towels while the carpet dries overnight. You can run fans to circulate air and accelerate the drying process.

Tips for Keeping a Carpet Clean

You should clean your carpet regularly, but there are steps you can take to reduce contamination levels in between cleaning. 

• Place washable floor mats on the inside and outside of all entry areas

• Have family and guests remove their outdoor shoes before walking on the carpet

• Vacuum multiple times a week

• Bathe pets frequently or keep them off the carpets

• Use all cleaning tools and products properly to prevent damage to carpet fibers

Carpet Cleaning Frequency

Carpet cleaning should be a part of your regular household cleaning routine.

• Vacuum multiple times a week to remove debris or daily if you have a crawling child.

• Deep clean twice per year or seasonally, depending on accumulated dirt levels.

• Deep clean more frequently if someone in your household has a compromised immune system, severe allergies, or an infectious disease.

To deep clean, you'll need to select a cleaning solution. While many carpet cleaners break down stains and soil for removal, they don't necessarily sanitize. Instead, look for an EPA-approved cleaner that contains sanitizing ingredients.

How Much Does It Cost to Clean a Carpet?

The average cost to hire a house cleaner or professional carpet cleaning service is $175 per visit. Professional carpet cleaning costs between $120 and $240, depending on the surface area. DIYing this job means renting a steam cleaner for about $100 per day and spending another $15 to $25 for detergent.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

While hiring a house cleaner will save you the cost of equipment, they will add up over time. The real savings that come from hiring a local house cleaner will be your time and energy. If you have no mobility concerns and feel up to the task, DIY carpet cleaning is often a simple job you can accomplish independently.