Maintaining the cleanliness of your carpets is not merely for aesthetic reasons. Clean and spotless carpets are indeed attractive but there’s more to this than meets the eye.
Carpets make a room look more cozy and inviting. It can also elevate the ambiance your home’s interior and make it look luxurious and polished. However, carpets can be a collection point for things such as dust and allergens. They can also be a breeding ground for harmful organism that can bring different illnesses.
That being said, what exactly are the health benefits that come with carpet cleaning?
Sydney-based pest control expert Brett Fletcher from Pro Carpet Cleaning tackles the importance of carpet cleaning and its relationship to having a good health.
A myriad of medical studies has found a direct relationship between the cleanliness of carpets to the health of those who use them. Even logically, you can see the direct impact that clean carpets have on the well-being and health of the household.
Here are just some of the benefits that you and your family can get just from having clean carpets at home.
1. Removing pollutants
One of the health benefits that come with carpet cleaning is that you will be able to remove the harmful pollutants that bring various respiratory health issues.
Carpet fibres trap a plethora of pollutants; dust, chemicals, dirt, cockroach allergens, pet dander, dust mites, etc. Most of these pollutants are airborne, and they settle on the carpets.
When a person inhales these pollutants, it can cause a wide range of respiratory problems. Thus, by ensuring that the carpet is cleaned properly and regularly, you can be assured that you and your family avoid different respiratory health issues like coughing, sneezing, difficulty in breathing, asthma, and more.
2. Removing allergens
As previously stated, carpets can hold a lot of pollutants and allergens that may be harmful to some individuals.
Airborne allergens, when they settle, land on your carpets. The carpet fibres trap these allergens within the carpet. Shoes are also another way of transporting various allergens to your carpets.
These allergens bring allergy-induced asthma, contact dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and other types of respiratory and skin allergies.
Therefore, it is important to clean your carpets thoroughly and regularly. Deep cleaning methods can remove all pollutants and allergens that are within your carpets fibres.
3. Eliminating dust mites
Dust mites are another type of organism that thrive in dirty carpets. They are typically present in warm and humid areas. These microscopic organisms feed on dead skin cells, dust, pollen and other things that we consider as “pollutants” which are all abundant in filthy carpets.
The bodies of these small insect-like pests contain a strong allergen that trigger health issues like eczema, asthma, chronic or recurrent sinusitis, middle ear infections, and other types of allergies.
It is very difficult to identify dust mites on the carpets. Thus, it is always better to assume that they are present in the carpets, along with the other pollutants and irritants that need to be cleared right away with proper carpet cleaning.
4. Getting rid of bacteria
It is impossible to see bacteria with the naked eye, and that is what makes them all the more dangerous. Your carpets may seem to be clean, but really, billions of bacteria are living in it.
One example of bacteria that is commonly found in moist or damp carpets is the Campylobacter. This bacteria thrives in a moist environment. It causes campylobacteriosis, a type of illness which can lead to diarrhea or dysentery.
With regular and intensive cleaning, like steam cleaning, you can ensure that you get rid of the bacteria living in your carpets.
5. Improving the air quality of the house
As stated earlier, dust, pollen, and other harmful airborne particles tend to settle on the carpet if the air is still. When the carpet is disturbed, it releases the particles into the air. Thus, lowering the air quality of the room. All this can be avoided by making sure that you clean your carpet regularly.
6. Preventing the growth of mold and mildew
Both mold and mildew can cause serious health complications. ย For those who are sensitive to molds, it can cause different adverse reactions like stuffy nose, wheezing, and may even trigger asthma attacks. These indoor allergens can also irritate the eyes and skin.
When carpets are exposed to moisture, there is a very high likelihood that mold will grow. This is especially true in areas that have high humidity. Also, this is prominent in the winter season, when the moisture from the rain or snow seeps into the room and is absorbed by the carpets’ fibres.
You can stop the growth and development of mildew and mold in your carpets by cleaning carpets regularly and letting them dry properly.
7. Preventing infections amongst children
Toddlers crawl or play on the carpeted floor. Young children like to sit on the carpets while doing some indoor activities. This is normal because carpets feel soft and comfortable under the feet.
However, if your carpets our dirty, it’s harboring allergens or other toxic particles that pose threat to your child’s health. Toddlers put their fingers in their mouths which can lead to them developing harmful infections. If you have a child, it is best you ensure that you clean the carpet both intensively and regularly in order to avoid any mild or severe health issues.
8. Removing stress
Dirty carpets are not just responsible for some of the illnesses you can feel physically. It is also responsible for stress issues at home.
Carpets are one of the most essential aesthetic pieces in a room. So, why not make sure that it is as clean as is possible? When your carpets are clean and spotless, it is pleasing to the eyes and it is also truly relaxing.
Simple Tips to Keep Your Carpet Clean
- Vacuum your carpets regularly. The easiest and most efficient way to make sure that your carpet is and stays clean is by vacuuming it on a regular basis.
- Use baking soda on your carpets. It will not only clean your carpets but it will also remove all the bad odors in it.
- Change and clean air filters. Make sure your air filters are always clean and working. This will limit the pollutants that will eventually land on your carpets.
- Keep your shoes outside your home. Shoes carry dirt and other particles from the outside of the home to the inside. When you stop bringing them inside, you will also stop spreading unwanted pollutants and allergens inside the house.
- Remove any spills and stains that are on the carpet immediately.
- Use pads made of felt or synthetic olefin under your furniture and appliances to prevent any damages on your carpet.
- Have your carpet professionally deep-cleaned every 6-12 months to ensure sure that the carpet maintains a high level of cleanliness.
Conclusion
Carpets are a wonderful addition to a home. However, some people take their carpets for granted.
Having carpeted floors require a higher level of cleaning and upkeep. Cleaning carpets demand more time and effort than cleaning tiled floors or wooden floors.
Proper carpet cleaning is important. This include professional deep-cleaning methods. It helps maintain your carpets and make them last for a long time. More importantly, carpet cleaning protects your and your family’s health.
Carpets are a valuable investment in your home. If not cleaned and maintained properly, you are neglecting your investment. Also, it can bring some health issues that may also cause you to shell out money on medication or treatment.
