Is your dirty carpet making you sick?
Carpeting brings beauty and comfort to homes. It can also improve indoor air qualityIndoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air ... More. 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 pollutionPollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the... More 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 pollutionIndoor air pollution refers to the presence of harmful subst... More 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 sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More 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 sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More throughout the house. Many people are allergic to these sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More.
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.
About Vince Sandri
Vince Sandri is a disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More content specialist with more than 12 years of experience researching, writing, and educating property owners about water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold remediationMold remediation is the process of identifying, removing, an... More, storm damage, and other disaster recovery topics. Since 2014, he has served as the leadLead is a heavy metal that can be toxic to humans, especiall... More contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com, where he has developed hundreds of in-depth service pages, educational guides, and industry-focused articles for restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More professionals across the United States.
Through extensive research and ongoing collaboration with restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More contractors, Vince has built a strong foundation in the science, processes, and best practices behind property damage mitigation and recovery. His work helps homeowners, business owners, and property managers understand how disasters impact structures, what immediate steps to take, how professional restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More works, and how to prevent long-term structural and health risks.
Vince specializes in translating complex restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More procedures — including water extraction, structural dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More, smoke odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More removal, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More containment, and storm damage repairRepair is the act of fixing or restoring damaged property, m... More — into clear, actionable information that empowers readers to make informed decisions during high-stress situations. His content aligns with industry standards and focuses on safety, accuracy, and practical response strategies.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Aurora University and his master’s degree from DePaul University. Since 2012, Vince has focused on SEO-driven website content, technical service pages, and educational resourcesResources include tools, personnel, equipment, and materials... More within the disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More industry.
Outside of his professional work, Vince is also a musician and performs in the Chicago, IL area.
Wow. Interesting info. Thanks.
Great article and valuable info. Shared to page Arab Termite and Pest Control =)
I just found more reasons to keep the carpet clean! Thanks!