Healthy Home, Happy Life: Carpet Cleaning Strategies for Allergies

How many times has family movie night been ruined by dust? There you are, settling down to watch the latest blockbuster with your loved ones, only for everyone to start coughing and sneezing. Or your child’s friends have come over to play then they keep rubbing their eyes or getting the sniffles. You can barely enjoy reading your books or scrolling through your phone as you relax at home if nose or throat constantly gets irritated. Mid-stretch during your morning yoga, do you find yourself itching? You could be kicking up allergens from the carpet each time you move. Even your guests at at dinner parties will be uncomfortable if they are fidgeting and coughing due to dust from the dining room carpet.

Common Types of Allergens in Carpets

Dust Mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on human dead skin cells. They accumulate in areas with a significant build-up of dead skin cells. The likes of your mattresses, pillows, blankets, upholstered furniture and carpets. In fact, just 1 gram of dust collected from a carpet can have over 10,000 dust mites.

Pet Dander: Fluffy and Timmy may be cute, but they are also a threat. In Ireland, 61% of households own either a dog or a cat. Over the past six decades, there has been a rapid increase in human allergies to pet dander, linked to lifestyle changes and enhanced exposure to such allergens. Even with the ‘hypoallergenic’ dog and cat breeds, there is still a degree of particulate matter being released into the indoor space, and many of these will wind up in the carpet.

Pollen: Tracked in from outside, pollen can easily get lodged in carpet fibers. It’s especially problematic during high pollen seasons. Pollen allergy affects approximately 40% of the European population, making it one of the most common allergens in the continent. Exposure to it can cause allergic rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and bronchial asthma. Even low concentrations can trigger allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals. Ireland’s landscape, predominantly covered by grassland, leads to grass pollen allergies dominating the summer months. Met Éireann, the Irish meteorological service, has warned of high to very high grass pollen levels during warm, dry weather. During such times, you will notice an increase in conditions like asthma attacks.

Why Carpets Are Hotbed of Allergens

First, think about the vast surface area that they have. Thanks to their fibrous nature, they’re almost like a dense forest where particles can settle and cling. Just as leaves and branches in a forest catch falling debris, the fibers in carpets trap particulate matter from the surrounding air space – and there are plenty of air spaces to lock all the particles in.

Carpets are also great at holding onto moisture, which creates a cozy, humid environment. Unfortunately, this is the perfect breeding ground for dust mites. You can literally be walking on an ecosystem of these microscopic bugs. Pretty gross if you think about it.

Lastly is the static electricity. Carpets can generate a surprising amount of it, especially in drier climates or during winter when indoor air tends to be less humid. This static acts like a mini force field, pulling in and gripping onto dust and other airborne particles. It’s like your carpet is actively collecting dust, instead of just passively letting it settle.

Frequency of Carpet Cleaning

So how often should you hire the local carpet cleaning experts to come over?

General Recommendation: For most homes, every 6 to 12 months is adequate. It’s a sweet spot that helps maintain the freshness of your carpets without overdoing it. This routine is great for keeping allergen levels in check.

Homes with Pets: If you have pets, especially the breeds that shed like it’s their full-time job, ramping up the cleaning frequency to every 3 to 6 months will be wise.

Allergy Sufferers: In homes where family members suffer from allergies or asthma, consider cleaning carpets every 2 to 3 months. Frequent cleaning reduces the allergen load, offering relief from symptoms.

Additional factors come into play. High foot traffic can bring in more dirt. More people walking around means more dirt being spread all over the carpet. In spring, the focus is on removing the accumulated dust and allergens, thanks to all that wonderful, yet sneeze-inducing, blooming outside. Summer brings its own challenges with increased foot traffic from those fun outdoor activities, often tracking in more dirt and possibly even sand. As leaves start to fall in autumn, there’s an uptick in organic debris making its way indoors, calling for a thorough refresh of our floor fabrics. Then, winter rolls around with its dampness and mud, especially in areas with snow, requiring more frequent attention to ensure our floors remain inviting and clean. The type of carpet you have also plays a role. Plush carpets trap more allergens compared to low-pile or berber carpets and might require more frequent cleaning.

Cleaning Measures Needed

Hot Water Extraction

This is a deep and intensive process, where a mix of hot water and specialized cleaning agents into the carpet. This mixture loosens the dirt and other debris entrenched within the material. Then, a powerful extraction process is employed to remove the water, along with the dislodged. One of the major benefits of hot water extraction is its ability to provide a deeper clean than most other methods. This results in a cleaner and more hygienic home environment.

However, this procedure is complex and requires precise control. Incorrect handling, particularly in the drying phase, can lead to issues like mould growth. For this approach, its advised that you bring in the experts. They have the right equipment to ensure thorough drying and avoid any potential problems. Plus the high powered extraction units can suck up so much moisture from the carpet that it will dry within the same day that it has been cleaned.

Regular Vacuuming

Vacuuming at least twice a week can significantly reduce surface allergens. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap small particles and prevent them from being released back into the air. Change or clean the HEPA filter as recommended by the manufacturer to maintain its effectiveness.

Spot Cleaning

Address spills immediately to prevent them from trapping more particulate matter. Use mild, hypoallergenic cleaning products to avoid introducing more irritants. Steer clear of products with strong

fragrances or harsh chemicals. Get the recommended cleaning agents from the carpet manufacturer. If your uncertain about the suitability of a particular product for your carpet, you should test it out on an inconspicuous area before proceeding to use it on the rest of the carpet.

Professional Carpet Cleaning

Why is it recommended that you outsource the cleaning to expert companies? Their advanced machinery goes beyond what regular home equipment can do. Hiring the equipment from dealerships has its own sets of problems. Expert cleaners can also use the most effective cleaning methods for various carpet materials and kinds of grime. This service is also a time-saver, freeing you from the task and giving you more time for other activities.

However, there are downsides to consider. First, hiring professionals typically costs more than a DIY approach. Additionally, coordinating schedules can be a challenge. You must find a time that works for both you and the cleaning service, which can sometimes be inconvenient.

When selecting a carpet cleaning company, look at their:

Track Record and Customer Feedback: The reputation of a carpet cleaning company is key. Look for one that’s been in the business for a considerable period. This longevity often signals a wealth of experience. Additionally, check out its reviews. Positive feedback and high ratings are good indicators of a company’s expertise and reliability in delivering quality service.

Professional Expertise and Ongoing Training: Verify that the personnel have proper training and certifications. Ask about the equipment and processes they will use. No question is “too dumb”. They should be willing to ensure that you are well-versed with the exact procedures that will be put in place. After all, this is your home.

Safety Net with Insurance and Licenses: This protects you against potential liabilities, such as damage to your carpet or injuries sustained by workers on your property. It’s about peace of mind, knowing you’re covered in any unforeseen scenarios.

Clarity in Pricing and Customer Assurance: Go for a company that provides straightforward quotes with no hidden costs. The last thing you want is a nasty surprise after the cleaning is done. Not in this economy anyway. Additionally, inquire about their satisfaction guarantees. A company confident enough to offer such assurances is likely committed to ensuring their clients are delighted with the end results.

DIY Carpet Cleaning

Cleaning carpets yourself has its perks. It’s usually less expensive compared to professional services. The flexibility is another plus; you can tackle the task whenever it suits you best, be it a lazy Sunday afternoon or a late evening after work. You also have more control over the kinds of chemicals you use, where you can get creative with home-made solutions and take it as a personal win.

Of course, this is the more difficult route to take. For one, DIYers typically don’t have access to the skillset or equipment that professional companies use. This means that right from the word go, you will be at a disadvantage. A simple mishap can result in irrevocable damage to the carpet, and necessitate costly repairs. Then there is the time and effort needed to deliver a thorough clean. Preparing, scrubbing, and drying the carpets can be quite labor-intensive. Spending your weekends sweating it out with a dirty

carpet is not exactly fun, and you still risk winding up with unsatisfactory results – forcing you to repeat the entire process.

Beyond Cleaning: Additional Strategies to Keep Allergens at Bay

Daily Dusting and Wiping: Use a damp cloth to trap and remove these particles instead of just redistributing them into the air. Microfiber materials are particularly effective as they have a unique structure that captures and holds dust and other particulates. This is especially important for hard surfaces and in nooks and crannies that are often overlooked.

Control Humidity: Managing indoor humidity is a key strategy in mitigating dust mites and mold. These allergens thrive in moist environments, and by keeping indoor humidity levels between 30-50%, you can significantly curtail their growth. You can do this with dehumidifiers, which remove excess moisture from the air, or air conditioners, which help in maintaining a cooler, less humid environment.

Regularly Wash Bedding: Bedding is a common haven for dust mites. Washing sheets, pillowcases, and blankets weekly in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) will kill them. This practice not only eliminates existing mites but also washes away the skin flakes and sweat that attract them.

Keep Windows Closed: Pollen can easily enter homes through open windows, particularly during high pollen seasons in spring and fall. Keeping windows closed, especially on windy days when pollen dispersal is at its peak, can greatly reduce the amount of these allergens entering your home. Balance is key here, since the indoor space still needs to be aerated.

Pet Care: Regular grooming of pets can help reduce the amount of dander and hair shed around the home. Additionally, restricting pets from certain areas, such as bedrooms or other spaces where allergic individuals spend a lot of time, can limit exposure to these allergens.

Alternatives to Carpets to Reduce Allergy Risks

Switching from carpets to hard flooring like wood, tile, or laminate can help lessen allergy risks. These surfaces don’t hold onto allergens as much and are easier to clean, though each type does need specific cleaning products.

Can’t replace your carpet? Go for low-pile options. They’re not as thick, so they trap fewer particles and are easier to take care of, balancing coziness and allergy concerns.

Also, consider area rugs. They add style and comfort like carpets but are easier to clean. Many are machine washable, making them a practical choice for reducing allergies compared to fixed carpets.

Healthy Home, Happy Life: Carpet Cleaning Strategies for Allergies