When you glance at your carpet, it may appear clean, especially if you diligently vacuum it. However, looks can be deceiving. Even if your carpet seems spotless, there could be numerous concealed dangers lurking within its fibers, unbeknownst to you.
Out of Sight, Still a Concern
You might wonder if you should worry about what could be hidden deep inside your carpet if there are no visible signs of uncleanliness. The answer is a resounding yes. The hidden dangers within your carpet should be taken seriously, and here’s why.
Invisible, microscopic particles trapped in your carpet can be detrimental to your health. Studies suggest that just a square inch of carpet may harbor up to 200,000 bacteria. To put it into perspective, that’s 500 times more bacteria than what you’d find in an average toilet. Additionally, experts estimate that carpets can hold up to four times their own weight in dirt and grime, much of which remains unseen.
What’s worse, the bacteria and germs residing in your carpet don’t stay put. When you walk across the carpet, these particles get disturbed, releasing them into the air and making them easier to breathe in. In fact, researchers have found that indoor air quality can be up to 100 times worse than outdoor air quality.
Now, let’s explore the culprits responsible for polluting your carpet.
Dust Mites and Other Pests
Dust mites may be invisible to the naked eye, but they can make their presence felt through allergy-like symptoms such as eczema or asthma. These tiny creatures are attracted to carpets as they feed on dead skin cells from humans and pet dander, which can settle within the carpet.
In addition to dust mites, microscopic insects might also inhabit your carpet, thriving on minuscule food particles, pet waste, and other invisible matter. Fleas, notorious pests for pet owners, are among these bugs that find solace in carpets, particularly those with thick piles. If you notice bite marks on your skin, fleas might be the cause.
Ticks, known carriers of Lyme disease, can also end up calling your carpet their home, hitching a ride on your pets and settling within the fibers.
Salmonella
While salmonella is commonly associated with undercooked meat or fish, it’s surprising to discover that this bacteria can also thrive in your carpet. It can be transferred to your carpet from dirty or contaminated footwear, pets, or spilled food that hasn’t been adequately cleaned up. Salmonella can cause stomach upsets and fever.
Campylobacter
This bacteria thrives in moist environments, so if your carpet is damp, it can propagate within the fibers. Symptoms of a campylobacter infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting.
Norovirus
This highly contagious sickness bug can survive in carpets for up to 4-6 weeks, posing a significant risk, especially for young children and the elderly.
Other bacteria and viruses, such as pneumonia, micrococcus, and even Covid-19, can also take up residence in your carpets, posing a threat to human health.
Mold or Fungus
Mold or fungus spores can settle in your carpet, multiplying rapidly in the presence of dampness. These spores can exacerbate allergy symptoms, cause flu-like symptoms, and lead to breathing problems. Carpets made from wool, cotton, or other natural fibers are especially prone to mold or fungus growth, necessitating special attention and cleaning.
E. Coli
E. coli is often linked to food poisoning, but even without ingesting anything dubious, this harmful bacteria can find its way into your carpet. It can be tracked indoors on contaminated footwear from the street. Infection with E. coli leads to stomach pain, fever, and, in severe cases, may result in kidney failure.
Pollen
Carpets situated near windows or entrances might attract pollen from the outdoors, which can settle within the carpet fibers. While pollen isn’t the most severe carpet-dwelling offender, it can be particularly problematic for individuals suffering from allergies like hay fever.
Pesticides and Herbicides
Pesticides are chemicals used to control pest infestations on plants, while herbicides combat weed problems. These substances can inadvertently find their way into your carpet via footwear and clothing. Some chemical ingredients in pesticides and herbicides are suspected of causing health issues in humans and are potential carcinogens. Would you want your children playing on a carpet where such chemicals might be present?
Taking Action
Discovering the multitude of substances lurking in your carpet can be unsettling, but there are several proactive measures you can take to evict these unwelcome guests from your home and prevent their manifestation.
Remove Outdoor Footwear
Approximately three out of four people walk on carpets wearing dirty shoes. Since many unwanted substances enter your carpet from the outdoors, it’s wise to adopt the habit of removing footwear at the door.
Clean Your Pets
Pets can also bring germs inside on their paws. After walking your dog outside, make sure to clean their paws when they come indoors. Regular anti-flea and anti-worming treatments for pets are also crucial to prevent these bugs from becoming a nuisance to your pet and your home.
Address Dampness
Dampness in your carpet creates an environment where certain germs, bacteria, and viruses thrive. Therefore, it’s essential to tackle any areas of your property that allow moisture to seep into the carpet.
Be Mindful of Eating Areas
If you have carpeted areas where you eat, ensure that all food particles are thoroughly cleaned from the floor regularly. Food remnants can encourage the proliferation of bugs, so removing their food source prevents their population from exploding in your carpets.
Professional Cleaning
Regular vacuuming is a given to remove surface dirt, but for a comprehensive solution to the hidden dangers in your carpet, professional cleaning is imperative at least once a year.
Professional carpet cleaning companies Like ‘My Carpet Doctor” possess the knowledge and tools to address a range of carpet-related issues, such as dust mites, bacteria, viruses, and germs. They employ techniques and equipment that effectively eliminate these hidden carpet dangers.
Steam cleaning, in particular, is highly effective at eradicating viruses like norovirus from carpets. However, it’s crucial to ensure that steam temperatures exceed 170°F for a minimum of 5 minutes to guarantee proper elimination of viruses.
My carpet Doctor follow appropriate conditions and techniques to maximize the removal of germs, bacteria, and viruses. Entrusting this task to the experts provides peace of mind that your carpets have undergone thorough deep cleaning and detoxification. In fact, experts estimate that professional deep cleaning removes thousands of times more germs than cleaning alone.
See our carpet cleaning Price List or we are more than happy to provide over the phone 07496 674467 estimates, via our online form or we can visit in person to provide a quotation.
