Keeping your indoor air safe is crucial to your family’s health. While many homeowners focus on their HVAC system when trying to address indoor air issues, the problem may actually be under your feet. Carpeting can host a significant amount of bacteria and contaminants. While general care may keep them at bay, a professional carpet cleaning should be part of your maintenance plan.

How Your Carpets Affect Your Home Air Quality

How are air quality and carpets connected?

When contaminants are carried into your home on clothing and pets, blown through open windows and doors, or circulated by your HVAC system, they’ll inevitably drift and settle in your carpeting. These particles can become airborne when you step on your carpeting, tainting your home’s air supply.

What contaminants are found in carpets?

Carpeting can be home to a wide variety of pollutants and impurities. Nesting insects may leave casings and droppings behind. Dirt, chemical compounds, and waste particles can be tracked indoors by pets and family members. Mold spores may also settle on your carpet, and mold may grow beneath it if you’ve suffered water damage in the past.

All of these pollutants can cause health problems. They may cause reactions in people with asthma or respiratory complications. Those allergic to pet dander, dust mites, or mold can have severe triggers. General pollutants may also cause respiratory and sinus problems.

How can I keep myself safe?

Stay on top of the issue by vacuuming your floor at least once a week. It’s best to use equipment with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter that will catch even the smallest particles. If you’ve suffered water damage, contact mold remediation professionals to perform an inspection and removal if needed.

You can also apply HEPA air filters to your HVAC system to catch particles that are already airborne. Check these once a month — especially if family members are sensitive to allergies — and replace them as needed.

What’s the most effective way to resolve the issue?

Ensure your carpet’s cleanliness by hiring professional carpet cleaners. They use high-powered vacuums that can reach deep into your carpeting to remove contaminants that standard vacuums often can’t. Carpet cleaners can also steam-clean and apply deodorizers. These services not only improve home air quality, but they’ll also restore your carpet’s texture and preserve its color.

Ready to schedule professional carpet cleaning? The Rug Beater Cleaning Enterprises, Inc. has served Talmage, PA, for nearly 30 years and works with both residential and commercial clients. This family-owned and -operated business uses state-of-the-art equipment for carpet, hardwood floor cleaning, and upholstery cleaning. Call (717) 656-9826 to schedule their services. Visit their website to learn more about their company.