Carpets trap harmful particles over time, including allergens like dust mites and pet dander that trigger allergies or aggravate respiratory conditions. Every time someone walks across the carpet, these particles get disturbed and become airborne, contaminating the home’s air quality.
Dirty carpets can also become breeding grounds for fungus and mold, releasing spores that are inhaled by family members and guests alike. These can cause a range of health problems, from allergies to more serious infections.
Dust Mites
Just because your carpet appears clean doesn’t mean it isn’t breeding ground for germs, mites and fungus. Dirty carpets are a veritable magnet for dust mites, which feed on dead skin cells and thrive in warm and humid environments. It is these microscopic critters that can wreak havoc with your allergies, and they are also known to trigger asthma in people who have it.
They’re also responsible for the itchy eyes and runny nose that you may experience during allergy season. You can have an allergic reaction to the proteins in their feces and body parts, resulting in a variety of symptoms including sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, wheezing and rashes on your arms and legs.
If you have a sensitive immune system, the allergens in your carpet can also trigger a more serious condition called dermatitis. It is characterized by a red rash that appears like bug bites and is often itchy. Your doctor can perform a simple test to see if you are allergic to the mites. They will take a small amount of the protein on your skin and then measure it to determine how sensitive you are.
Besides dust mites, carpets are a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, as well as a host of mold and fungus. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus is particularly dangerous, as it can cause skin infections and stomach issues. Additionally, it can survive in filthy carpets for up to 48 hours, and can spread to other surfaces throughout the home. The mold and fungus in your carpets can also release spores that are inhaled, potentially triggering breathing problems and putting you at risk for infections in those with weakened immune systems.
The best way to keep your carpets and rugs free from harmful organisms is regular professional cleaning. A professional carpet cleaner such as Gator Cleaning Solutions will use high-tech steam-cleaning equipment to get deep down into the fibers, ensuring that all of the critters are removed. Keeping your carpets and rugs clean will reduce the risk of health issues and improve the overall air quality in your home, making it healthier for you and your family, according to Everyday Clean.
Pollutants
While carpets act as giant filters trapping dirt, dust and other debris over time, they also provide a haven for harmful pollutants. These can include microorganisms like bacteria and viruses such as Norovirus, E coli and campylobacter. These microscopic organisms can cause a variety of issues for anyone, especially children and those with compromised immune systems.
Most of the unwanted substances that end up in your carpet are brought in by contaminated footwear. This can range from mud and dirt to cigarette smoke and animal droppings. These nasties can then begin to multiply within the warm, moist conditions infiltrated by carpet fibers. E Coli, for instance, can survive in a carpet for up to 4-6 weeks and can lead to stomach pain, vomiting and fever. Campylobacter, meanwhile, can cause diarrhoea and can be potentially fatal for those with weak immune systems.
Other dangerous contaminants that can lurk in your clean carpet are allergens such as pet dander, pollen and mold spores. These can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals, and even worsen them for those with existing problems. Similarly, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) can be released into the air from soapy cleaning solutions and are known to irritate your eyes and throat.
Dirty carpets are also ideal breeding grounds for mould and fungus. These microorganisms thrive in the warm, damp environment created by spills and humidity that accumulates in carpet fibres. Once they’re agitated, they release spores into the air that can be inhaled. Mould and fungus can cause respiratory problems, rashes and other ailments for those who are susceptible to them.
A filthy carpet can be up to 4,000 times dirtier than a toilet bowl. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with a regular cleaning schedule and to ensure that the right tools are used for carpet cleaning. This will help to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone in your home. For more information about proper carpet cleaning techniques and procedures, contact PowerPro Carpet Cleaning of NJ today. We use high-powered vacuums and deep cleaning methods to keep your home’s carpets hygienically clean.
Bacteria
Your cozy, plush carpet is a magnet for dirt, grime and many other contaminants that aren’t visible to the naked eye. These include bacteria, fungus and a host of other dangerous pathogens that can seriously impact your health.
Dirty carpets can harbor a variety of bacteria and germs including staphylococcus, norovirus, Salmonella and E coli. These microorganisms make their homes deep inside the carpet’s fibers where they are protected from airflow and light. When they are disturbed or walked on, these bacteria can become airborne and can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms such as skin infections and respiratory issues.
Fungus and mold also thrive in filthy carpets. When these microorganisms release spores, they can become airborne and inhaled. This can cause respiratory problems and allergies, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Carpets also trap a host of allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, and pollen. When these allergens are disturbed, they can become airborne and cause a variety of allergic reactions in people, including runny noses, itchy eyes and sinus headaches. Regular vacuuming and professional cleaning can help reduce the amount of allergens in your carpet.
In addition to being a breeding ground for allergens, dirty carpets can also harbour a variety of chemicals from things like vehicle oils, lawn fertilizers and sidewalk treatments. These chemicals can seep into your carpet and cause a range of problems including discoloration, permanent damage to the fibers and unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning can help reduce the amount of chemicals in your carpet and keep it looking and smelling clean and fresh.
So what’s the takeaway? While your carpet may look pristine, it could be hiding some serious dangers. Keeping it on a regular maintenance schedule is essential to protecting your family’s health and wellbeing. This includes regularly vacuuming and having it professionally cleaned, as well as removing carpet stains as soon as they occur to avoid further damage. If you’re worried about the state of your carpet, contact us for a free consultation. Our trained technicians can provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best course of action to get your carpet back to peak condition.
Mold
Carpets provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow beneath the plush fibers. As they soak up moisture, these harmful fungi create musty odors and aggravate respiratory problems and allergic reactions in household members. If left unchecked, this issue can contribute to a variety of long-term health issues, including severe lung complications. Moisture in your carpet also provides the ideal conditions for the growth of pests such as dust mites, ants, and termites.
Spills, high humidity levels, and a lack of proper ventilation can all lead to the development of mold and mildew in your clean carpet. These spores can then become airborne, affecting everyone in the home, particularly children and elderly family members. When inhaled, mold spores can trigger allergy symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes and skin, and even breathing difficulties.
Mold can be difficult to detect, especially when it’s still in its early stages. It is typically black, green, or white in color and may have a fuzzy or slimy texture. Mildew, on the other hand, tends to be white or grayish in color and has a more powdery texture. Both of these issues are easily prevented by ensuring that your carpet is dry as quickly as possible after a spill or leak. Proper ventilation and frequent vacuuming can further help to keep mold and mildew at bay.
In addition to being a repository for dirt, grime, and allergens, your carpet is also a breeding ground for bacteria, germs, and viruses. These contaminants can be carried in by shoes, pets, and even your own body. Then, they can circulate in the air and cause respiratory problems such as allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, and asthma. Professional carpet cleaning removes these contaminants, promoting healthier indoor air quality and safeguarding your family’s health.
The air in your house can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, and your carpets are the source of most of this pollution. Dirty carpets trap and hold all sorts of debris, making it easy for dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, and bacteria to hide and thrive within the plush fibers. Regular carpet cleaning prevents these contaminants from being released into the air and causing allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, respiratory problems, and even heart disease.