Pristine Cleaning Gal
Allergies are a common problem for many people, and they can be especially frustrating during the spring and fall seasons when pollen and other allergens are at their highest levels. Those that suffer from allergies typically think that carpets can be a contributing factor to allergy symptoms. In fact, carpets have been proven to act as a filter that keeps many of irritants out of the air. Two Swedish researchers proved that removing carpets made no significant difference in the reduction of allergies. You can find out more about their research here.
While carpets do provide a level of filtration they also can get overfilled with dust, dirt, and pollen. Just like it is important to change your furnace filter, carpets need to be regularly maintained and cleaned. Once cleaned they help to provide good filtration for keeping dust, pollen, and spores out of the air. Regular professional cleaning makes the carpet look better and helps to remove the irritants that cause hay fever symptoms.
How Carpets Can Contribute to Allergy Symptoms
Carpets are notorious for collecting dust, dirt, pollen, and other allergens. These allergens can become trapped in the carpet fibers because of oils that are left in the carpet. These oils are tracked in on shoes and paws or settle onto the rugs after cooking. The soil then sticks to the oils in the carpet and becomes embedded. Eventually, it contributes to hayfever symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Vacuuming alone is not enough to remove these allergens, as it doesn’t remove the oils and greases that cause the soil to stick to the carpet fibers. Embedded dander and pollen can also become a food source for dust mites, and mold or mildew spores.
Regular Carpet Cleaning Can Help Reduce Allergies
Regular carpet cleaning is essential for reducing allergy symptoms and improving indoor air quality. Professional carpet cleaning services use specialized equipment and cleaning solutions to remove dirt, dust, and allergens from your carpets. They can also deep clean your carpets to remove allergens that may be embedded deep in the fibers. It is important to vet your carpet cleaner and make sure they are using high-quality cleaning products, and equipment. Not all carpet cleaners are equal. Some provide a lower price because they cut corners. Some cleaners use low-quality cleaning products that leave behind residues that can facilitate the need to clean the carpet more often. The residue is a sticky substance that if left on the carpet will attract dirt, and prevent quality vacuuming. If the carpet cleaning products don’t leave behind residue then maintenance will not be needed as often to achieve the same results.
5 Tips to Help Reduce Allergens Between Professional Cleanings:
- Vacuum regularly: Vacuum your carpets at least once a week to remove surface-level allergens such as dust and pollen.
- Brush your carpet once a month: A Gamby broom or carpet rake can be used monthly to break loose embedded dirt. Do this before you vacuum to improve dirt and dust removal.
- Use a HEPA filter: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap allergens and prevent them from being released back into the air.
- Remove shoes: Ask guests and family members to remove their shoes before entering your home to prevent outdoor allergens from being tracked in.
- Use a doormat: Place a doormat at the entrance of your home to collect dirt and allergens before they are tracked inside.
If you have allergies, then regular carpet cleaning is essential for keeping allergy symptoms at bay. In addition to a nice-looking home, it will also improve indoor air quality. Professional carpet cleaning services can remove dirt, dust, and allergens from your carpets, helping them to filter more effectively. While at-home measures such as vacuuming regularly, using a HEPA filter, removing shoes, using a doormat, and considering carpeting alternatives can also help reduce allergens in your home. By taking these steps, you can breathe easier and enjoy a healthier indoor environment.
