Every January kicks off the same way.

You swear this is the year you’ll get your life together. Eat better. Move more. Stop pretending that corner of the lounge doesn’t exist.

And somewhere between the gym memberships and half-hearted decluttering, you notice something else that’s been quietly copping it all year: your carpets, rugs and couch.

They’ve survived summer feet, muddy shoes, takeaway nights, pets, kids and whatever that mystery stain is near the sofa. So if you’re doing a reset anyway, it’s worth asking:

How often should you actually be cleaning your carpets and upholstery?

Not “show home” clean. Just fresh, hygienic and not secretly gross.

Why Carpet Cleaning Matters More Than You Think

Carpets don’t just hold visible dirt. Over time, they trap dust, allergens, pet hair, spills and everyday grime that vacuuming alone can’t remove.

Without regular cleaning, carpets can:

• look flat and worn

• hold onto smells

• trigger allergies

• wear out faster than they should

A consistent carpet cleaning routine keeps your home healthier and helps your flooring last longer.

So, How Often Should You Clean Your Carpets?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a realistic guide for most Aussie homes.

Every 6–12 months: Deep clean

For average homes, a deep carpet clean once or twice a year is ideal. If you’ve got pets, kids or heavy foot traffic, aim closer to every six months.

January is a great time to do this after summer entertaining and holiday chaos.

Many people choose to hire a carpet cleaning machine to do a proper DIY clean without booking a professional.

Every 1–3 months: Spot cleaning

Spills happen. Wine, food, muddy footprints and pet accidents are all part of normal life.

Spot cleaning straight away helps:

• prevent stains from setting

• stop smells developing

• reduce the need for bigger cleans later

This is especially important on rugs, couches and high-use areas.

👉 See our range of carpet and upholstery cleaning products designed for quick clean-ups.

Weekly: Light maintenance

Vacuuming once or twice a week removes surface dirt before it gets ground in. It’s the easiest way to keep carpets looking better between deeper cleans.

What About Upholstery and Rugs?

Couches and rugs cop just as much wear as carpets, sometimes more.

A good rule of thumb:

• Vacuum upholstery weekly

• Spot clean spills straight away

• Deep clean fabric sofas and rugs once or twice a year

If your couch is the unofficial family meeting point, don’t be surprised if it needs extra attention.

Why January Is the Best Time to Reset

January is when everything slows down just enough to catch up.

The guests have gone. The routine hasn’t fully kicked back in. And you’re already in that “might as well start fresh” mindset.

Cleaning carpets and upholstery now:

• removes built-up summer dirt

• clears lingering odours

• makes ongoing cleaning easier

• helps your home feel genuinely refreshed

A quick clean with a little help from Britex can set your place up for the rest of the year. Think of it as less of a chore and more of a clean slate.

Keeping Things Under Control All Year

Once you’ve done a proper reset, maintenance is much easier.

Try this simple routine:

• Vacuum high-traffic areas weekly

• Treat spills as soon as they happen

• Give rugs and couches extra attention

• Plan one or two deeper cleans across the year

Staying on top of small messes prevents big problems later.

FAQs: Carpet Cleaning in Real Homes

How often should I deep clean my carpets?

Most homes should deep clean carpets every 6–12 months. Homes with pets, kids or heavy use may need more frequent cleaning.

Is DIY carpet cleaning effective?

Yes. DIY carpet cleaning is a popular and practical way to refresh carpets and upholstery at home without the cost of professional services.

What’s the best way to remove fresh carpet stains?

Blot immediately, avoid rubbing, and clean the area before it dries. Fast action makes stains much easier to remove.

Do carpets really hold onto smells?

They do. Dirt, spills and pet accidents can trap odours over time. Deep cleaning helps lift what vacuuming can’t.

Is January a good time to clean carpets?

Absolutely. After a busy summer, January is ideal for resetting your home and starting the year fresh.