While many people rely on their usual carpet vacuum cleaning routine a few times a week, professionals advocate combining your own vacuuming schedule with professional cleaning. Carpets and rugs have the potential to grow mold and mildew as it is, but the potential is only heightened if a carpet is not properly dried and aired. Since air quality in any home or office is compromised by naturally occurring pathogens, like bacteria, dust, allergens, etc., a carpet cleaner's job also includes the removal of such harmful substances.