Robinkae wrote:
My in-laws installed carpet in their home 30 years ago. It was high
quality and vacuumed regularly; it still looks good. However, they
have never had the carpet professionally cleaned in any way (either
steamed or shampooed). We may inherit this home one day. By then the
carpet will be 40 or more years old. Are their any health or
cleanliness problems we should be concerned about?
Um, lessee. 30 years ago was 1978? Was that when the house was built? By
any chance is there hardwood under there? If the house was built in
1968, I'd say probably, but if it was built in 1978, it gets iffy. Next
time you are over there, pull up a heat grate from the floor, and take a
peek. If there is hardwood, it's a no brainer- pull the carpet out and
get the floors cleaned or refinished. (Sometimes, if it was a factory
finish on the hardwood and they didn't have pets or houseplants on the
floor, you get lucky and all it needs is cleaning and waxing.)

If no hardwood, I agree with the others- time for a rip'n'replace. In
30-40 years, no matter how clean a house, there will be a layer of crud
under there.

I'm not a fan of w/w carpet, for lots of reasons. Not being
allergy-friendly is just one of them.

--
aem sends...