Carpets and ventilation ducts collect dust, pet hair and debris, but do they need to be cleaned every year? This guide is for Brossard homeowners, tenants and condo managers who want to know when professional cleaning is useful, how often to plan it according to reliable sources and how to choose a company. Last checked: October 2026.
Transparency: brossard.city may be affiliated with the businesses it recommends.
In short
- For carpets, the Carpet and Rug Institute recommends vacuuming at least once a week and deep cleaning every 12 to 18 months.
- For ventilation ducts, official sources do not set a schedule: cleaning is decided based on an inspection.
- A thin layer of dust in the ducts is normal and does not, on its own, justify cleaning.
- Water or mould, significant debris or reduced airflow are signs that work may be needed.
- Insist on a company that follows a recognized standard (such as the NADCA ACR standard) and a written quote.
Carpet cleaning: when and why
According to the maintenance guide published in 2024 by the Carpet and Rug Institute (a carpet industry association), all textile floor coverings should ideally be vacuumed at least once a week, and more often in high-traffic areas or where there are pets. The same guide recommends restorative cleaning every 12 to 18 months, and suggests calling a professional before carpets become heavily soiled.
When professional cleaning makes sense
- Before putting a property up for sale or after a move.
- Between two tenants.
- In high-traffic areas (entrances, condo hallways).
- To meet your carpet’s warranty requirements: some manufacturers require specific maintenance.
Carpets and moisture: Health Canada’s caution
In its guide Addressing Moisture and Mould in Your Home, Health Canada recommends discarding mouldy carpets and underpads, as well as carpets that are wet or have been exposed to moisture, and advises against carpeting basement floors. For dust, it recommends a vacuum with a HEPA filter or a central vacuum vented outdoors. In other words, cleaning will not fix a mouldy carpet after water damage: the source of moisture has to be dealt with first.
Ventilation duct cleaning: when is it useful?
A Government of Quebec technical sheet on how often mechanical ventilation ducts should be cleaned (in French) reviews the recommendations of several organizations (Société d’habitation du Québec, CMHC, INSPQ, CAA-Québec, NADCA, ASHRAE). Its conclusion: there is no fixed frequency. Cleaning is decided following an inspection.
| Source cited in the sheet | Key point |
|---|---|
| Société d’habitation du Québec | Clean when the build-up of dust or debris hinders airflow, or when mould is present |
| CAA-Québec | Preventive cleaning depending on occupants’ activities (renovations, frequent DIY) |
| NADCA and CMHC | A light dust deposit is normal and does not justify cleaning |
| INSPQ | Poorly done cleaning can put particles back in the air: the quality of the work matters |
Signs that call for an inspection
- Visible water or mould in the ducts.
- A significant build-up of debris.
- Visible particles blown out of the grilles.
- Reduced airflow or a blockage (for example, loose interior insulation).
- After renovations that produced a lot of dust.
The sheet also reminds you to identify and correct the cause of the build-up before cleaning, and to carry out the routine maintenance recommended by the manufacturer: visual inspection, cleaning or replacing filters and grilles, and checking air intakes.
Dryer vents: a special case
Health Canada advises regularly inspecting the dryer’s outdoor exhaust duct, removing accumulated lint and making sure the outside vent is not blocked.
Choosing a cleaning company
- Ask which standard the company follows for ducts. The Government of Quebec sheet refers to the NADCA ACR standard or an equivalent recognized standard.
- Insist on an inspection and a diagnosis before committing: a good provider explains what they found.
- Ask for a written quote specifying the rooms or ducts covered, the method and the total price.
- Be wary of alarmist offers or pushy discounts. The Office de la protection du consommateur warns against pressure tactics.
- Check the company with the merchant information tool of the Office de la protection du consommateur.
- If there is mould, the INSPQ recommends consulting an accredited professional for a diagnosis.
Finding a provider
If you are looking for a provider, choose a professional cleaning company that handles residential and commercial carpets, upholstered furniture, and ventilation and dryer ducts in the Greater Montreal area, including the South Shore. As with any company, ask for a written quote, ask the questions above and compare quotes from local providers.
Frequently asked questions
Should ducts be cleaned every year?
No, not automatically. The sources cited by the Government of Quebec do not set a frequency: cleaning is decided based on the condition of the ducts, after an inspection.
How often should a carpet be deep cleaned?
The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends deep cleaning every 12 to 18 months, with vacuuming at least once a week.
Does duct cleaning improve health?
It can be useful when there is real contamination (mould, significant debris). For light dust, CMHC and NADCA consider it unnecessary. Poorly done cleaning can even put particles back in the air.
Can a carpet be saved after water damage?
Health Canada recommends discarding carpets that are wet or have been exposed to moisture, as well as those that are mouldy.
How much does cleaning cost in Brossard?
Prices depend on the surface area, the number of ducts and their condition. We do not publish unverified prices: ask for written quotes.
Going further
Planning work? See our guides to renovation contractors and to choosing a plumber in Brossard. Selling or buying? See our page on house and condo prices in Brossard and our complete guide to living in Brossard. Find all our practical articles in the Home Services section.
Last checked: October 2026.
brossard.city is an independent guide, not affiliated with the City of Brossard. Information is provided for general guidance only; check with official sources before making any decision. Spotted an error? Let us know.