Floor coverings are a major investment when it comes to home décor. If you watch popular renovation and makeover shows, you’ll notice a strong preference for tiles, polished concrete, and timber floors. Rugs may appear as decorative highlights—but where does carpet fit in?
For many Australian families, carpet still plays an important role in comfort, safety, and practicality. The key is choosing the right carpet for your household.
Gary Pracy, an Elite technician with over 30 years of hands-on experience working with carpets, has seen trends come and go. He regularly advises clients—and even his own family—on making smart choices for carpets and upholstery. So when it comes to selecting carpet for a home with young children (and often pets), his advice is worth listening to.
Avoid Light-Coloured Carpets
Light carpets may look stunning in magazines and showroom displays, and they can certainly make a space feel larger. However, real family life tells a different story.
Spills, muddy footprints, food accidents, and everyday wear show up far more easily on pale carpets. For busy households, mid to darker tones are far more forgiving and practical.
Choose Short Pile Over Shag
Shagpile carpet might feel luxurious underfoot, but it’s rarely suitable for homes with young children.
Long pile carpets trap crumbs, dirt, and pet hair, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and insects. A short pile carpet is easier to maintain, easier to clean, and far more hygienic for active families.
Regular professional carpet cleaning is also far more effective on shorter pile styles.
Think Carefully About Wool Carpets
While wool is a natural fibre, it’s not always the best option for allergy sufferers. Wool carpets can retain allergens more easily and are also prone to absorbing stains permanently if spills aren’t treated quickly.
Families dealing with allergies or asthma may benefit from alternative fibres that are easier to clean and maintain.
Already Have Carpet? Don’t Replace It Just Yet
If your current carpet is looking dated or worn, you may be tempted to rip it out immediately. Gary Pracy suggests holding off—especially if you have very young children.
His recommendation?
Wait until your youngest child is around five years old.
At that age, there are generally fewer spills, kids are more active outside the home, and they’re less likely to trip and fall—which can be painful on hard floors.
In the meantime, professional maintenance can make a huge difference.
Practical Ways to Extend Carpet Life
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Get Your Carpet Professionally Cleaned
Busy family homes and pets create high-traffic zones. A professional deep clean every 6 months (or at least annually) can dramatically refresh your carpets and extend their lifespan. Many homeowners are surprised at just how much better their carpet looks after a professional service.
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Use Rugs Over Carpet
Rugs are a clever way to protect high-wear areas while updating your décor. Think of them as stylish camouflage. Rugs can be changed seasonally and are easier to replace than wall-to-wall carpet. Elite offers convenient in-home rug cleaning services to keep them fresh and hygienic.
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Protect Carpets Against Future Stains
For added longevity, consider carpet fabric protection and sanitising to help resist future stains and everyday wear.
Expert Care Makes All the Difference
With decades of experience and technicians nationwide, Elite Maintenance Services Group helps families protect their flooring investment through expert cleaning and maintenance. Learn more about our experience and approach on our About Elite page.
Freshen Up Your Family Home with Elite
Before replacing your carpets, give them the professional care they deserve.
Request an obligation-free quote today at https://elite.com.au/quotes/
Or call 131580 via https://elite.com.au/call-now/
Elite Maintenance Services Group — helping Australian families get more life out of their carpets.
