Carpeting can badly affect indoor air standard by trapping pollen, dust, and other allergens in the fibers of the carpet.
Carpeting has long been a famous flooring option for many businesses and homes. Not only is it remarkable pleasing, but it can help to reduce noise and add warmth to the room.
In this blog post, we will discuss how carpets can impact the air quality; as well some tips on how to keep your carpets clean in order to maintain fit indoor air quality.
Carpet padding
It serves several objectives, including providing cushioning for comfort, insulation to decrease noise levels, and protection from wear and tear. It can also help better indoor air quality by trapping dust particles and other allergens in its fibers.
This helps to keep out of the air we breathe, decreasing the pollutants amount in our homes or offices. Carpet padding also works as a filter for airborne particles such as pet danger or pollen that may be present in our atmosphere.
By trapping these particles within its fibers, it stops them from entering our lugs when we inhale. As an outcome, carpet padding can help decrease asthma and allergies symptoms caused by bad indoor air quality.
Dust mites
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed on the dead skin cells that animals and humans shed every day. They thrive in humid, hot environments and can be found in furniture, carpets, bedding and other soft surfaces.
Carpeting gives a perfect habitat for dust mites because of its humidity and warmth-retaining properties. As they move around the carpet fibers, they release their waste items into the air which can cause asthma or allergies symptoms in some people.
Vacuuming carpets regularly helps decrease the number of dust mites present by removing their food source.
Volatile organic compounds
VOCs can have a bad effect on indoor air quality because they are generally toxic and can cause health issues when inhaled. Carpeting is one of the most general sources of VOCs in home and businesses, as it may have many different types of chemicals that can be released into the air over time.
These chemicals contain benzene, formaldehyde, rxylene, toluene, and other organic compounds. When these compounds are released into the air via off-gassing from carpets or other materials containing them, they can respiratory problem and other health issues for those exposed to them.
To decrease exposure to VOCs from carpets, it is vital to pick low-emitting items with lowest chemical content and make sure right ventilation in areas where carpets are installed.
Carpet fibers
Carpet fibers can be made from natural items such as cotton, jute, wool, or synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon. The type of fiber used will affect how well it traps dust and other air particles.
Natural fibers tend to be more absorbent than fake ones, so they can trap more pollutants like pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, pollen and other allergens. Synthetic fibers are generally less absorbent but may still trap some pollutants if they have a pile height or tight weave.
Additionally, if carpets are not vacuumed regularly then bad particles will accumulate over time leading to increased levels of airborne particles which can additional reduce indoor air quality.
Allergens
Allergens are substances that can cause an allergic response in some people, such as pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores. Carpeting can trap these allergens in its fibers and stop them from being released into the air.
This means that if any person with allergens is living or working in an area with carpeting, they may be exposed to higher levels of allergens than if there was no carpet present. Vacuuming carpets regularly can help decrease the amount of allergens present by removing them from the fibers before they have a possibility to become airborne.
Mold and mildew growth
Carpeting is mainly prone to mildew and mold growth due to its absorbent nature, which permits moisture from the spills or airborne to become trapped in the fibers. This creates a perfect environment for mildew and mold spores to thrive, leading to their quick growth.
As these organisms grow, they let go spores into the air that can cause allergic responses in people who are sensitive or have asthma. Some kind of mold produces toxins that can be risky if inhaled over long period of time.
To stop this from happening, carpets should be regularly vacuumed and cleaned with right cleaning solution designed mainly for carpets.
How to identify my carpet is not clean
Using UV flashlights like Arkfeld Pro Flat EDC flashlight to identify if your carpet is not clean involves a simple yet successful process. Start by dimming the lights in the room to improve the visibility of any fluorescence emitted by contaminants. Then, turn on a UV torch and scan the carpet surface methodically, moving the light across the area. Look for any glowing areas or spots that fluoresce under UV light. These spots point out the presence of contaminants such as urine, pet stains, or other bodily fluids, as well as bacteria mold or other organic matter.
Additionally, pay focus to any uneven discolorations or patterns that may advise areas of accumulated residue or dirt. By fully checking the carpet with UV light, you can simply identify areas that need cleaning or further treatment.
How to clean carpet
Carpets frequently trap allergens, dust, bacteria, and other pollutants that affect indoor air quality and could potentially make you ill. Many people are not alert of the important role carpet plays in determining the quality of indoor air, and ultimately lack knowledge on how to right clean and maintain their carpet.
Vacuum weekly
It is important that you stay on top of carpet maintenance. If you opt to perform it yourself, it is best to vacuum the entirety of your flooring on a weekly basis.
Use a best vacuum cleaner
Ensure you are using a high standard vacuum that is equipped with a High efficiency particulate filter.
Deep steam clean your carpet
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your carpet not just improves the look, but make sure that you and your dear ones are living in fit and safe environment.