Regular carpet cleaning should always be done to preserve the look of your carpeting and area rugs. Experts recommend that you have your carpets cleaned professionally at least once a year. This will extend its lifespan, remove contaminants, and make your carpet feel fresh.
If you’ve been putting off calling a carpet cleaning company, your carpeting might be hiding gross things you probably wouldn’t expect. The longer you let your carpets go uncleaned, the more health risks you face.
Even though they appear clean, a massive amount of airborne dirt and nasty contaminants are hiding more than meets the eye. Here are some of the gross organisms and debris that are lurking in your carpet:
Disease-Causing Bacteria and Germs
Like what the name implies, microorganisms are so tiny they can only be seen through a microscope. Just because you don’t see something doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Carpets can hold up to 200,000 bacteria per square inch. E Coli, Staph, and Salmonella are the disease-causing bacteria that can be found in your carpets and area rugs.
These contaminants can sometimes enter your body and cause all sorts of illnesses to you or your family. You are at risk of digestive issues, skin infections, respiratory illness, or allergic reactions when you have nasty carpets and area rugs.
Grimy Dust and Dirt
Did you know that 75% of people walk on the carpet with dirty shoes? Most of that dirt is tracked in on shoes, dirty feet, and pet fur. Textiles in your home absorb an array of contaminants like dust mites. You might not notice but your carpet soaks up dust like a sponge. These particles can cause visible stains, allergies, and serious infections.
Fortunately, routine vacuuming and carpet cleaning can help keep dust and dirt at bay. You may also put doormats at all entrances so that family and visitors can wipe dirt off their shoes.
Bugs
A lot of ticks and fleas thriving in your carpet can cause respiratory issues and allergies. These microscopic bugs find shelter in your carpet fibers and breed there. Vacuum weekly to remove these bugs and maintain a healthier environment for your family. The sooner you give your carpets a good deep cleaning, the faster you can eliminate them and prevent these unwanted visitors from invading your home.
Pet Urine, Hair, and Dander
Your furry friends probably like to run, sleep, and play on your soft and fluffy carpets. Even if you’ve already cleaned up your pet’s messes, tiny feces and nasty odors will remain trapped in the fibers. Pet-borne allergens can infiltrate your home and cause health hazards to people allergic to cats and dogs. Such allergic reactions result from pet dander that is composed of microscopic flakes of pet skin, saliva, dried urine, and feces. Dust mites and ticks will most likely feed on pet hair and dander found in your carpet fibers.
It’s tough to remove pet dander once it has settled, so be sure to vacuum weekly. In addition, you can prevent too much fur in your carpeted area by using air purifiers and HEPA filters. These will help reduce airborne allergens and keep you comfortable.
Mildew and Mold
Visible mold growth and carpet discoloration are some of the tell-tale signs your carpet has mold and mildew. Carpets soak up fluid faster than most materials. Pet urine and spilled food or drinks will stick into the carpet fibers and pad unless you remove them immediately. Carpet spills will lead to mold and a musty smell. Too much moisture is also a cause of mold issues.
To prevent this, always blot spills quickly and choose carpet cleaning methods that dry as fast as possible.
Smelly Odors
Carpet fibers are a breeding ground for pet dander, dirt, and other contaminants. When carpets are not cleaned regularly, odor-causing crystals from pet urine will spread within the carpet and be released into the air you breathe. Regular vacuuming isn’t enough to solve this. You need a more advanced method to get rid of carpet odors.
Wet or steam carpet cleaning is your best bet. It is effective for deep and thorough cleaning. All oil-based substances, pet urine, and dirt that cause that funky smell will be gone through pressurized hot water and safe chemical reagents. However, this method is more expensive and has longer drying times.
Pollen
Aside from dust, pollen can enter your home through open doors and windows. This can worsen your indoor air quality and trigger asthma or allergy attacks. Since pollen is everywhere, it can get stuck on your carpets. You can control indoor allergens by vacuuming your carpets at least once a week, ventilating your indoor areas, and using air fresheners.
Skin Flakes
Humans and pets leave behind dead skin cells on furniture, upholstery, and most especially, carpets. On average, an individual sheds 1.5 million skin flakes each day. Imagine the number of skin flakes that go down to the floor and your carpet fibers. Get rid of them immediately because fleas, ticks, and dust mites usually feed on these dead skin cells in the carpet. Vacuum regularly, and always keep your carpeting dry.
Schedule a Professional Carpet Cleaning Service Today
Do not let your home become a toxic environment for you and your family. Give your carpets a thorough cleaning to ensure everyone’s health and safety. Here at Carpet Cleaning Pros of Lancaster, we are the trusted professional carpet cleaner in the Pennsylvania area. We know how to eliminate the nasty stuff that could be hiding in your carpet. Contact us for a no-fuss carpet cleaning appointment!