Fact: Waiting until your carpet becomes visibly soiled will shorten its lifespan. Why? Dirt contains sharp particles that grind into carpet fibers, causing matting and abrasive damage. This wear can make the carpet appear to look dull and dirty so by the time you think you’re due for a cleaning, the damage has already been done (unfortunately the wear is permanent). While regularly vacuuming your carpet to remove dry soil is helpful, it can’t remove all the soil that has accumulated and settled into the carpet like a professional cleaning can. The best way to protect your investment is with regular cleanings, typically every 6-18 months, depending on your lifestyle.