How Often Should Office Carpet Be Steam Cleaned?

Most office carpet should be steam cleaned every 6 to 18 months, depending on how much foot traffic it receives. The Carpet Institute of Australia's maintenance guide, which is based on the Australian standard for carpet cleaning, gives that range for commercial carpet, with busy areas at the shorter end. Entries, corridors and the areas around kitchens often need it every 6 months, while quiet private offices can usually wait up to 18 months.

Deep cleaning is only one component of a good carpet plan, because regular vacuuming and prompt spot cleaning are what keep the carpet looking presentable in the months between deep cleans. We offer carpet steam cleaning in Canberra for offices, using a truck-mounted hot water extraction machine, and we inspect the carpet before we start.

Office carpet experiences considerable wear, because many people walk the same paths every day, and grit from outside gradually works its way down into the fibres. Over time this dulls the colour, wears down the pile and creates dark traffic lanes along corridors, around desks and in front of the kitchen.

The Carpet Institute explains that a well-planned maintenance program helps carpet keep its appearance for longer and supports a healthier indoor environment. It also says regular deep cleaning is necessary to remove the oily soil that builds up in high-traffic areas, because vacuuming alone can't lift it.

Not every part of the office needs the same schedule, so a simple way to plan is to divide the floor into zones by how busy each one is, and then set a deep cleaning interval for each zone within the 6 to 18 month range. The table below is our general guide for Canberra offices, and the right timing for your site depends on how many people use it, the weather and the type of carpet.

The Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZS 3733:2018 sets out how carpet in homes and commercial buildings should be cleaned and maintained, including how to plan a maintenance program and which cleaning methods to use. The Carpet Institute notes that many carpet warranties refer to this standard, so check your carpet's warranty before you choose a cleaning method or a schedule.

If your office carpet is still under warranty, keep a copy of every cleaning invoice, because together they demonstrate that the carpet has been maintained properly.

A deep clean usually means hot water extraction, which is often called steam cleaning. Hot water and a cleaning solution are pushed down into the carpet, and then a powerful vacuum pulls the water back out again, taking the loosened dirt along with it, which makes it the most thorough way to clean most types of carpet.

Between deep cleans, a lighter interim clean can keep busy areas looking fresh. For example, encapsulation cleaning uses very little water, which often suits carpet tiles and glued-down office carpet, and a bonnet clean is another quick option for carpet that's only lightly soiled. Neither one replaces a deep clean completely, but used regularly they can help extend the time between deep cleans.

The most effective way to make office carpet last longer is to stop dirt from reaching it in the first place, and to deal with spills as soon as they happen.

• Put good mats at every entry, both outside and inside the door, and make sure the mats are cleaned regularly too.
• Vacuum the busy areas at every cleaning visit, and the rest of the office at least once a week.
• Blot spills immediately with a clean white cloth, and don't rub, because rubbing pushes the stain deeper and spreads it.
• Encourage staff to report any spills they notice, so that they can be treated before they have time to set.
• Use chair mats under desk chairs, because the wheels gradually wear down and crush the carpet pile.

Steam cleaned carpet needs time to dry, so it's best to clean when the area isn't being used, such as at the end of the working day or on a quiet day when fewer staff are in. Discuss the most suitable time for your office with your cleaner before you book, and let staff know which areas will be unavailable.

Wet floors can also be a slip risk, and WorkSafe ACT's advice on slips, trips and falls suggests posting warning signs when floors are wet, while Safe Work Australia's guide to managing slips, trips and falls recommends cordoning off wet areas while cleaning is in progress. Keep the signs in place until the carpet is completely dry, and then vacuum it to lift the pile.

Aussie Duo is a family-owned Canberra business that has been cleaning since 2013, and our lead technician, Mark, holds IICRC certifications in carpet cleaning (CRT) and water damage restoration (WRT). Office carpet steam cleaning starts from $4.95 per square metre ($4.50 + GST), with a minimum job of $187 including GST ($170 + GST), and you can see the details on our carpet steam cleaning prices page. If you'd like carpet care added to your regular commercial cleaning, request a quote or call 02 5501 3316, and we'll reply during business hours, Monday to Saturday, from 7am to 7pm.