Fitted carpets have been used in houses for many years as they offer warmth and soft flooring material for family members to walk on.
Carpet is a magnet for allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and other potentially aggravating proteins. Allergens are antigens, typically proteins, that provoke allergic reactions like coughing and sneezing in people with hypersensitive immune systems
Even if they are vacuumed often, there are areas such as near the walls, under furniture etc that do not always get cleaned. The standard household vacuums are limited to how and what they clean and unless and all the furniture are removed and the carpets washed, then there will be always particles in the fibers of the carpets.
What can I do to reduce the potential of allergic reactions?
The best approach to reduce allergic reactions is to clean the carpets often and thoroughly, including the hard-to-reach areas. I also recommend having the carpets washed once a year. But this should be done by a professional carpet cleaning company.
The HVAC system of the house also has to be used effectively by cleaning the ducts regularly and changing the filter of the furnace every 3 months or as recommended by the filter manufacturer. All these allergens and particles travel in the house through the HVAC distribution system therefore to keep the carpets cleaner, the indoor air has to be kept clean also.
How can I eliminate the potential of my carpets collecting allergens and particles?
If eliminating the collection of allergens and particles is the target, then I would recommend removing the carpets and installing other materials such as hardwood or laminate flooring.
FAQs
I seem to sneeze a lot when I am in my house. Is that related to the carpets?
Yes, it is very likely that the carpets have accumulated allergens. Carpets will not be the only source though. Other factors have to be considered. A certified Indoor Air Consultant can help you determine the sources of allergens.
What vacuum is best for carpets?
There are many different types of vacuums with different attachments that can be used for different purposes. Ultimately, the more powerful a vacuum is the best the results will be.
Could I rent a carpet washer from the hardware store and wash my carpets myself.
You could, but we always recommend hiring professionals that have experience for this type of wrok.
Should I have an allergen test done if I have carpets in my house?
An allergen test is highly recommended because it will reveal what particles are trapped in your carpet. The solution for dust mites is much different than pet dander or mold spores. The allergen test will give you the direction you need to make an informed decision.