For many years, people believed that carpets were bad for allergies because they trap allergens, dirt, and dust. The thought was that walking on carpets would stir up these particles, making them airborne and causing allergic reactions. However, upon taking a closer look, this same reasoning is actually an explanation of how carpets might improve indoor air quality.
Carpets as Filters
Think about the filter in your heating and cooling system. It traps allergens and dust, keeping them out of the air you breathe. Carpets can do something similar. They act like additional filters, catching airborne particles and preventing them from circulating in your home. A study by Airmid Healthgroup found that carpets are good at trapping allergens, reducing their presence in the air. The Carpet and Rug Institute supports this idea, stating that well-maintained carpets hold onto dust and allergens until they are vacuumed away.
Carpet vs. Hard Floors
Research has revealed an interesting fact: carpets may actually be better than hard floors for people with asthma and allergies. Dr. Bruce Mitchell, an expert in allergy and immunology, found that carpets have lower air allergen levels compared to hardwood floors, even before cleaning. This remained true even when particles were disturbed. So, clean carpets can significantly reduce airborne allergens, leading to better indoor air quality.
Carpets and Allergy Triggers
While carpets have benefits, they can still hold allergens that cause symptoms for allergy sufferers. The warm and sometimes humid environment of carpet fibers is perfect for dust mites. Carpets can also trap pollen, pet dander, and mold spores, which can be particularly troublesome during allergy season. However, these issues can be managed with proper care.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology offers advice on living with carpets if you have allergies. Regular vacuuming, at least every 3 to 4 days, helps remove surface allergens. But vacuuming alone can’t reach the deeper particles in the carpet fibers. This is where professional carpet cleaning comes in.
Professional Carpet Cleaning is Key
Professional carpet cleaning gets rid of the deep-seated allergens that vacuuming can’t reach. Experts recommend this deep cleaning every 6 to 12 months, similar to how you change the filter in your heating and cooling unit. Regular professional cleaning keeps carpets functioning well as air filters, improving indoor air quality and helping you breathe easier.
Extra Steps to Reduce Allergens
Besides regular vacuuming and professional cleaning, there are other ways to cut down on allergens in your home. Place entry mats or area rugs by doors and ask visitors to wipe their feet or remove their shoes. This can greatly reduce the amount of new allergens brought into your home. Addressing moisture issues right away is also crucial since even small amounts of moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth.
In a Nutshell
To sum it up, well-maintained carpets can play a big role in improving indoor air quality and managing allergies. By trapping allergens and keeping them out of the air, carpets can help create a healthier living environment. Regular cleaning, including both vacuuming and professional deep cleaning, ensures that carpets continue to benefit those with asthma and allergies, contributing to better breathing and a higher quality of life.