Carpet feels soft beneath the feet and adds welcoming warmth to home interiors. At the same time, this material tends to trap dirt, debris, and harmful microbes within its fibers, which may eventually produce odors and adversely affect your health. Below, you’ll learn more about the illnesses dirty carpets may cause and how regular cleaning can prevent them. 

4 Ways Your Carpeting May Impact Your Health

1. Allergy Flareups 

Common allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores, collect in flooring fibers as a result of foot traffic. Whether you suffer from occasional or everyday allergies, dirty carpets will exacerbate your symptoms, which is why you should vacuum them at least once per week. 

2. Worsening Upper Respiratory Conditions 

If you have asthma, COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis, allergens and microbes in dirty carpets will make it more difficult to breathe in your home. Prevent serious flareups by having your floors professionally deep cleaned once or twice per year. 

3. Skin Issues 

Bacteria and fungi may settle into the fibers of your carpets, putting you at risk of rashes and infections, especially when the skin makes direct contact with the surface. Prevent eczema, athlete’s foot, and dermatitis by vacuuming regularly and shampooing your floors a few times per year. Carpet should also be replaced every five to fifteen years.

4. Black Mold Poisoning 

Black mold and mildew may form beneath your carpeting due to spills and excess humidity in the home. In severe cases, you may experience black mold poisoning, which causes itchy eyes, coughing, hives, and difficulty breathing. Replace any carpet that has been affected this way.

In the future, use a dehumidifier in your home to control moisture and clean up spilled liquids immediately to deter mold growth.

When you’re ready to install or update your carpets, get in touch with A-1 Linoleum & Carpet, Inc. This carpet store offers flooring solutions to home and business owners throughout Lincoln, NE. Call (402) 464-3125 to get started on a design for your floors and request an estimate. Visit this flooring store’s website to learn more about how they can augment the appearance and function of your property.