People are twice as likely to change their carpet because it doesn’t match the décor of the room than over concerns for cleanliness and hygiene, research shows.

A recent survey by United Carpets and Beds found that home owners choosing to change their carpet to match a new colour scheme outnumber those replacing a carpet that ‘felt unhygienic’ by almost two-to-one.

As many as 86% of those surveyed said they would choose to keep the carpets from the previous owners when moving into a new home, despite old carpets harbouring a variety of germs and dirt—including dead skin cells.

Tahire Khan, head of ecommerce at United Carpets and Beds comments: “The days of investing in a ‘carpet for life’ are gone. A wider range of materials means that it is possible to find high-quality carpet to suit all budgets, allowing home owners the flexibility to replace carpets to suit changes in style and décor.”

Almost one third of respondents would change their carpet if it appeared stained or damaged, however 17% admitted to hiding stains with strategically placed rugs and furniture.

A further survey carried out by the carpet supplier revealed that less than half of home owners vacuumed their carpets weekly and only 3% get their carpet professionally cleaned annually.

Paul Pearce, from the National Carpet Cleaners Association, advises: “How often you vacuum your carpet really depends on the footfall it gets from day to day. In some homes, carpets will need vacuuming daily. The most important thing is to keep on top of it. You should have professionals clean your carpet at least once every 12 to 18 months. This will make sure that it always looks good.”

Tahire concludes: “Choosing the correct carpet according to its use will undoubtedly help ensure that it remains clean and hygienic. For example, choose a carpet with water resistant fibres—which resist damp and mould—for the bathroom, while a polypropylene carpet that can be bleach cleaned is ideal for use in the dining or living room. Regular vacuuming and professional cleaning are advisable to ensure that carpets remain in pristine condition for many years.”

Source: The research was conducted online via Google Surveys in June 2019. A total of 805 people responded