If you recently moved into a new home with carpets you may be wondering, "How often should I get my carpets cleaned?" The answer depends on the number of people in your household, and whether you have pets.

Most carpet cleaning professionals recommend having high-traffic areas cleaned at least once a year, and the entire carpet at least every two years, if not more frequently.

If you have young children or pets, you may have food, urine or vomit stains and therefore need to have the carpets cleaned even more frequently than described above.

Carpet Cleaning for Pet Owners

Do you have an indoor cat? Or, do you have a dog that spends a lot of time indoors? Pet owners generally need their carpets cleaned more often than non-pet owners due to pet hair, shedding, "accidents," and dogs that track in dirt and grass.

Pet owners are encouraged to vacuum at least twice a week, and have their high-traffic areas professionally cleaned two to four times a year, and the entire carpet at every six months.

So, what are the health risks to your pet? Your dog or cat frequently licks crumbs off the carpet, is this dangerous after a professional cleaning?

According to the ASPCA Poison Control Center, most carpet cleaning products are safe to use in households with pets, however, the instructions must be followed closely.

If you'd still rather avoid toxic chemicals altogether, you can find a local carpet cleaning company that advertises "green, eco-friendly, or chemical-free" carpet cleaning. If you find a company that you might use, do some background research to make sure they are reputable.

Keep your dog or cat out of the house while the carpets are being cleaned, and keep them away from wet carpets until they are deemed "safe." If your pet is exposed to the chemical solution, be sure to wash the exposed areas thoroughly with water.

If you have further questions about carpet cleaning and its safety, contact a veterinarian near you.