Top 10 Reasons Carpets Impact Your Health
Sure, dirty carpets don’t look great, but have you ever thought about how dirty carpets affect your health? Believe it or not, they can have a pretty big impact on your health. That’s why proper carpet cleaning and care are so important. While you can find plenty of great articles (and services!) that go over just what it takes to get your carpet clean and safe, we’ll be discussing the Top 10 Reasons Carpets Impact Your Health.
There is a huge misconception about carpets being good or bad for people with allergies. Your carpet acts as an air filter or dust filter in your home. The fibers catch dust and soil that you bring in or that travels throughout your house. When dust settles on the floor, it gets trapped in the carpet fibers and doesn’t go anywhere unless vacuumed or cleaned. Without carpet, dust on hard surfaces easily becomes airborne again, carrying contaminants that can trigger allergies. So, carpets can actually be beneficial for people with allergies!
Here are some of the risks associated with carpets in your home:
1. Dirt & Grease are a Carpet’s Best Friends
Whether it’s you, your kids, or your pets, anyone who walks across your carpet leaves behind oily residue and dry soil. Over time, body oil, dry soil, and wet spills combine to form a sort of glue, attracting more dirt and grime. This can discolor your carpet and lead to allergy and health issues.
2. Carpet Backing is a Dust Trap
The backing of a carpet, which keeps the fibers together, also traps dust. Dirt can get caught in this netting, making it difficult for your vacuum to remove. Even with regular cleaning, some dirt and grit in the carpet backing may remain.
3. Germs and Bacteria Love to Hang Out in Carpet
Initially, carpets can filter pollutants like residues, tars, cigarette smoke, and pollen. However, once they reach capacity, they hold onto these pollutants, exposing you to toxins unless you maintain professional cleaning services.
4. Dust Mites = More Suffering
Carpets are a haven for dust mites, whose excrement can trigger asthma attacks and other allergies. Dust mites trap proteins that cause rhinitis, eczema, and asthma, leading to flare-ups or resurgence of previously managed conditions.
5. Carpets Get “Swol” with Dirt
Carpets can hold up to four times their weight in dust, dirt, grit, and other contaminants, including insect feces, allergens, mold, and pet dander. Regular vacuuming might not be enough to keep your carpets clean.
6. 5-Second Rule? Try the 4-Week Rule…
Bacteria can live in carpets for up to four weeks, making them a breeding ground for future generations. Avoid eating food dropped on the carpet to reduce the risk of ingesting harmful bacteria.
7. Ditch Your Shoes Before You Walk on Carpet
Wearing shoes on carpet introduces more dirt and grit and grinds existing dirt deeper into the carpet, making spills and stains more difficult to clean.
8. Food Poisoning from Your Carpet?
The Norovirus, which can cause severe stomach problems similar to food poisoning, can survive in carpets for up to six weeks. Every step across the carpet can spread the virus, putting you at risk.
9. Carpet or Toilet: Which is Cleaner?
Carpet can be up to 4,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat, making it a significant source of germs and dirt if not properly cleaned.
10. Clean it Like Your Wardrobe
We regularly clean many items in our homes. Treat your carpet with the same level of care. Clean it regularly and after sickness. While DIY cleaning is an option, professional cleaning is essential for maintaining carpet health.
How Often Should I Vacuum My Carpets?
Don’t wait until you see dirt. Vacuum your carpets regularly, ideally every Wednesday and Saturday. Even areas you seldom use should be vacuumed once or twice a week.
How Often Should You Clean Your Carpets Professionally?
Most manufacturers recommend professional cleaning every 18 months. However, if you have kids, pets, or frequent visitors, you might need to schedule professional cleaning more often. Ensure you hire a company with IICRC certification and use approved cleaning methods.
