We get this question a lot: “Should you apply carpet protector to a new carpet?… but lets look into a little more content as this very much depends on certain factors!”This week, one of our technicians, Connor, headed over to a lovely home in South Woodham Ferrers – not far from our base at Highlands Farm in Rettendon Common. The office booked him to clean the carpets and upholstery following a quote visit from Kevin just a few days earlier.
But when Connor arrived, they greeted him at the door with a great question:
“Our carpets are only a few months old… fitted back in January… and we’re wondering whether to just apply the protector instead? We’re trying to keep the cost down, but we’ve heard protector helps keep them cleaner for longer and stops spills from becoming stains.”
That question got us thinking… So, we thought it was time to put together a quick guide to help you decide whether carpet protector is worth applying to your new carpets, and when is the best time to do it.
What Does Carpet Protector Actually Do?
A carpet protector forms an invisible barrier around the fibres of your carpet. That barrier:
- Helps repel liquid spills, so you’ve got more time to blot them up before they soak in
- Makes vacuuming more effective, as dry soils don’t stick to the fibres as easily
- Adds an extra layer of defence, helping your carpet stay looking cleaner for longer
It’s not a miracle cure, but it can make a real difference to how your carpets handle everyday life.
When Should You Apply Carpet Protector?
This bit is important… you should only apply a protector to clean or brand-new carpets.
Why? Even if your carpet looks clean, it will collect fine dust, dry soil and microscopic particles within a few days of installation. If you apply a protector over that, you risk sealing in that layer of dirt.
The result? The protector won’t bond well with the carpet fibres, and it might be less effective.
💡 Our advice: If your carpet is more than a few weeks old, it’s best to have it professionally cleaned first. Then, once the fibres are completely clean, you can apply the protector knowing it’ll perform at its best.
Will It Work on My Carpet Type?
Yes, protector works on most carpet types – but how it behaves can vary:
- Dense velvet-style carpets often allow liquids to bead up on the surface
- Twist or Saxony carpets may let liquids run between the fibres, but it still slows them down and makes cleaning easier
In both cases, the protector gives you more time to deal with accidents before they become stains.
How Often Should You Reapply It?
You don’t need to apply a protector every time you have your carpets cleaned. We usually recommend the following cycle:
- First clean: no protector
- Next clean (12–24 months later): clean and apply protector
- Following clean: no protector
- Then clean and protect again
This helps balance the cost while still keeping your carpets protected over the long term.
Other Ways to Help Your Carpets Last
Alongside using carpet protector, there are a few other things you can do:
- Use a safe, pH-balanced spot cleaner – we supply one that’s safe for protected carpets. Just ask!
- Invest in a good vacuum – an upright with a beater bar is great for most carpets, though some wool or soft pile types may need suction only. Always check the care instructions.
Need Advice? We’re Happy to Help
If you’ve just had new carpets fitted, or if you’re booking a professional clean and thinking about protecting your investment, feel free to give us a call. We’ll give you honest advice and a no-pressure quote.
📍 Careclean Essex – Trusted since 1984
📞Call us on 01245 323989
✉️ku.oc.xessenaelcerac@ofni
📍 Highlands Farm, Southend Rd, Rettendon Common, Chelmsford CM3 8EB
