A recent nationwide survey conducted on behalf of Carpet Court, reveals the downright dirty experiences many New Zealanders have with their carpets – and pets have a lot to answer for.

Pet excrement and pet vomit are two of the most common undesirable substances respondents have had on their carpets, with more than 36 per cent having had to deal with a clean-up of this kind.

This comes in above 32 per cent of people who've had red wine spills and 27 per cent who have spilled kids' drinks on the carpet.

Despite half the survey respondents rating carpet or flooring as the most important home investment, it seems many of us aren't looking after it as well as we should.

'It was interesting for us to note that 57 per cent of people surveyed have never had their carpet professionally cleaned,” says Carpet Court's Marketing Manager, Victoria Lloyd.

'I think many people don't realise how critical regular professional cleans are for maintaining the quality of their carpet, not to mention a requirement of some manufacturers' carpet warranties.

'When dirt and grit is left deep down inside your carpet, it wears away at the fibres and will cause carpet to deteriorate more quickly than it should.

'What's also interesting is the majority of people – more than three-quarters– vacuum their carpet only once a week or less.

'A good guide to go by is to vacuum your house at an absolute minimum of once per week and more often depending on the number of people living there – so if you have five people in the house, ideally you'd vacuum your high traffic areas five times per week.

'This may seem like a lot, but the amount of dead skin, dust and general mess that's created by each additional person means you'll be doing your carpet a favour to keep it maintained.

'Plus the survey indicated 62 per cent of people wear shoes on their carpet, and if you throw a pet or two in to the mix, it really adds up.”

Dark grey is the most popular colour choice for carpet, but 63 per cent of people say they'd be more likely to choose a lighter coloured carpet if it was stain resistant, as 67 per cent say worrying about stains affects their choice.

When 44 per cent have spilled coffee on their carpet, 40 per cent have tracked mud through, 17 per cent have had blood stains and 11 per cent have even had spilled paint on the carpet – it's no wonder it's a concern.

Carpet Court's Design Ambassador Jane Carolan, says these concerns over staining create limitations.

'If people didn't have to consider the staining and wear that everyday life can bring to carpet, I believe their choices would fall outside of the standard dark palette of browns, greys and taupes – these colours are chosen to ensure a safe and risk-free decision.

'Unfortunately these options can often lead to the whole house taking on a darker look and feel than required.”