Dirty Carpets Are Bad for Your Health — Here’s Why
Dirty Carpets Are Bad for Your Health — Here’s Why
One of the dirtiest surfaces in your home is right under your nose. More to the point, right under your feet. We’re talking about carpets. While you may vacuum your floors regularly, you’re only scratching the surface the dirt and germ accumulation. There’s going to be a lot left behind, and while you may not be able to see it, what you don’t see can hurt you. Dirty carpets are bad for your health, here’s why.
Here’s what your vacuum is missing:
Bad Bacteria
Carpets (and rugs) can actually be dirtier than toilet seats. In fact, your carpet can harbour upwards of 200,000 bacteria per square inch. Which is 700 times the amount you’ll find on the seat of your loo. These bacteria aren’t harmless either and include the likes of potentially deadly strands like salmonella, E. coli and Staphylococcus. Sure, loose dirt can be removed by vacuuming. But not the truly dangerous germs that reside deep in the pile of your carpet. It’s these tiny aggressors that can cause infection and illness.
Pet Stains
We love our pets, even when they wee on our rugs. However, even when we think we’ve cleaned up the mess, there is often a lot left behind. The bacteria in urine can cause illness, and the aminona in urine can cause respiratory issues. Which is especially concerning for the elderly, the very young or anyone with a breathing problem, like asthma.
A quick wash won’t cut it. Not all urine will be visible to the naked eye. This is why getting your hands on a cleaner specifically for pet urine and cleaning immediately is imperative. Or, to be super safe, you can hire a local carpet cleaning professional to come in with urine-detecting technology that will ensure all stains are removed, safely and effectively. This is by far the best option if the stain has really been allowed to set. Or if the accident happened when you weren’t around to witness the exact location of the deposit.
Dust
Vacuuming will remove some dust, but the dust that’s settled into the pile of your carpet or rug can be more difficult to remove. For many people, the dust isn’t an obvious impediment to health. But to anyone with a respiratory problem, this dust can cause major problems, agitating airways and making it difficult to breathe. And, as we said, while dust may not be an obvious impediment to people with without breathing conditions, it can and will still affect one’s ability to breathe optimally.
By all means, keep vacuuming regularly, but also do yourself and your loved ones a favour and have your carpet cleaned regularly. Every six months is ideal. You can rent a unit, or hire a professional. This last option is by far the best if you want to ensure the job is done right, and the work is guaranteed. It’s also the best option if you have a carpet or rug that is old, requires special attention or is riddled with unknown stains that you are not sure how to treat. Not only will consistent carpet cleaning beautify your home, it will bolster your health.