In an ideal world, home additions like carpet would last forever. Unfortunately, that’s just not how the carpeting cookie crumbles when it comes down to it.
In fact, with even the highest-quality carpets generally giving up the ghost after 15 years (a timespan that shortens to just five years for the lowest quality options), it can sometimes feel like your carpet is still new when you’re already turning your attention to a replacement.
This can be frustrating, but trust us when we say that you won’t want to cling to a carpet that’s outlived its lifespan.
In fact, things can get pretty nasty if you miss the warning signs that a replacement would be best, and we don’t just mean on the appearance front! For the sake of hygiene, happiness, and sanity in your home, it’s always worth scrapping an old carpet and contacting some new carpet fitters if you notice these worrying signs.
Sign 1: Telltale Lumps And Bumps
Just as people get wrinkly, carpets get saggy as they age. This can lead to visible lumps and creases which are a sure sign of a carpet that’s nearing the end of its life. Before you know it, walking around your home will feel like trekking up Everest thanks to lumps that are both unattractive and potential tripping hazards.
If your carpet currently has more mountains than the Alps, then something needs to change. While you might be able to buy yourself a few more years with professional stretching, it’s probably worth starting to save up for a replacement!
Sign 2: Carpet That’s More Threadbare Than Your Favourite Cardigan
When we love something, we tend to run it down until it’s threadbare. Unfortunately, while you might be able to darn your favourite cardigan to make it last even as it gets old, there’s no coming back from a threadbare carpet.
Even your best efforts to remove your shoes and vacuum regularly won’t stop visible carpet wear from happening in your highest-traffic areas. Eventually, when you can see the green backing mat behind those carpet fibres and you constantly prick your heels on that exposed carpet grip strip, you’ll have no choice but to accept that it’s time for a more fibrely fulsome upgrade which will make your rooms feel brand new all over again.
Sign 3: Eurgh, What’s That Smell?
We didn’t want to do this, but if you’re reluctant to replace your carpet even after the aforementioned warning signs, then consider this – old, water-damaged carpets can also lend some incredibly unpleasant, and unsanitary smells to your home!
If you constantly wonder what that rotting undertone is in your rooms, then look no further than your carpet, which can become mouldy and harbour all manner of nasty bacteria.
Carpet cleaning at least once a year can help a little, but at some stage, a constantly smelly carpet might be beyond cleaning help, and in need of a more literal refresh.
If you notice any of these warning signs, you should undoubtedly scrap that shabby old carpet for a younger model!
