Is your dirty carpet making you sick?
Carpeting brings beauty and comfort to homes. It can also improve indoor air quality. In a study conducted in some 23 countries, researchers found that allergy rates increase when carpet use decreases. Why? Because carpet traps airborne pollutants such as pollens, bacteria, dander, dust and keeps them out of your breathing air. Since the average American spends up to 90% of their time indoors, carpeting can become an important part of cutting down air pollution as it works as an excellent filter.
However, most indoor cleaning problems are related to dirty carpets. Carpets do trap all of those allergens, but they will keep trapping them until the carpets become “full”. A “full” and dirty carpet can become a source of indoor air pollution because as you walk on it, the allergens get re-dispersed into your air and then you and your family breathe them in.
Fungus in carpeting can be a big problem. All carpets have fungus – scientific studies back this up. Fungal spores get picked up outside and drop off shoes and clothing and make their way deep into the carpet. If someone spills some water on the carpet, the fungus can now grow on the carpet padding and release spores throughout the house. Many people are allergic to these spores.
Dust mites can also thrive in carpets as they feed on our dead skin and hair. Many are also allergic to dust mites.
The accumulations of allergens is why regular, professional carpet cleaning is a necessity. Regular vacuuming is helpful, of course, but even good vacuums only pick up about 15% of the elements trapped in your carpets. Most people clean their carpets when they look dirty, but a carpet that looks dirty is probably actually filthy and full of bacteria, allergens and pollutants.
Wow. Interesting info. Thanks.
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I just found more reasons to keep the carpet clean! Thanks!