Saying 'No' to Carpet in Apartments

You're searching for an apartment. Avoid carpet. No matter how much you try to clean it (and that doesn't mean just adding a deodorizer), carpet is nearly impossible to clean completely. Dirt, odors, allergens, sweat, skin, hair, or even nail clippings from previous tenants and pets may be embedded in the carpet. Choose hard surface flooring instead. Add a new area rug if you must have a soft surface underfoot. I'm curious to hear your personal stories with carpet in apartments.