Why Unclean Carpets Could Be Damaging Your Health!
There are nasties lurking in most carpets that have the potential to make you and your family sick. I’m talking about allergens, dust mites, fungus, and worst of all mould. Not enough people understand that keeping your carpet clean is important for the health and wellbeing of your family.
On average, most carpets can accumulate up to 18 kilograms of dirt in a year. Having your carpets professionally and regularly cleaned is a really good idea, especially if you have young children who are more susceptible to allergens lurking in your carpet.
Allergens
Carpets and rugs can look clean to the untrained eye but actually be harbouring dirt, dander, bacteria, and other irritants.
Once your carpet has accumulated these irritants, it has the potential to cause health problems.
- Common health issues include:
- Nasal congestion
- Excessive sneezing / runny nose
- Tightchest / wheezing
- Red, itchy or watery eyes
- Skin rash / skin irritation
The fact of the matter is, carpets are not the cause of allergens, but their thousands of tiny fibres are perfect for trapping them in. Over time carpets buildup up theses allergens that have been brought in on our clothes (and pets) from outside. These tiny particles are so small that regular vacuuming can reduce them but not completely eliminate them from your carpet. This is why it’s important to have your carpet steam cleaned by professionals to help eliminate allergens. The longer it’s been since you’ve had your carpet professionally cleaned, the more likely it is that allergens have become trapped.
Dust Mites
Dust mites tend to thrive and multiply in homes with a lot of carpet. Dead skin cells and hair shed from the body all day long. Most of it falls onto our clothing and in bedding but a vast majority ends up in the carpet. This is the perfect environment for dust mites to thrive as they feed on this debris. There are many people that are allergic to dust mites but it’s also important to understand that a dust mite allergy can occur in someone who has never had the allergy prior. If you know of a family that is suffering from the effect of allergies, getting professional carpet cleaning should be your first step. This is especially important if you or a member of your family suffers from chronic allergies.
Fungus
As shocking as it may sound, studies have found that every home with a carpet has fungus. Fungal spores that are blown into your home by the wind can end up making their way deep into your carpet. Only one big spill on the carpet is enough for the fungus to proliferate. Even if you mop up and absorb the spill quickly, if the water has managed to soak through the carpet wicking, it’s already too late. This dampness gives the fungus the ability to grow on the pad of the carpet and eventually release spores. The same is often true for many types of bacteria that can grow under carpets when moisture is present. Spills should be absorbed as quickly as possible to minimise the chance of fungus growth.
Mould
Mould can be particularly nasty to get rid of once it sets in. Be sure to take note of any unusual smells in the home coming from your carpet. Musty and unpleasant odours in carpeted areas can be a sign of mould. There are many different types of mould, and some have the potential to cause serious health problems. If you suspect you have an issue with mould it’s essential that you take action immediately. Have the area checked by a mould expert so you can take steps to better protect the health of your family.
Regularity and vigilance are important when it comes to carpet care. Don’t take chances when it comes to the health of your loved ones. Schedule regular professional carpet cleaning with experts who know how to properly sanitise problem areas.
The team at Crystal Clean are on hand to answer any question you may have about carpet allergens and cleaning practices. Contact Crystal Clean on 1300 767 760, or fill out or contact form for more information.
