Your home should be a safe haven for rest and family fun—not a breeding ground for disease. However, allergens and other pollutants can build up right under your nose—and feet. Discover why carpet can harbor a host of health hazards and how to help protect yourself and your family.

Health Hazards Hiding in Carpet

You may take your shoes off at the door and vacuum fairly regularly, but there are other irritants that could be building up in your carpet. Then, once you walk across the room, you’re releasing these allergens in the air, breathing them in, and eventually dealing with the stuffy, sneezy consequences.

Here’s what could be hiding in your carpet and making you sick:

• Dust. Tiny particles are easily trapped in the fibers of rugs and carpeting, especially in hard-to-reach corners and under furniture.
• Dander. Pets are constantly shedding hair or rolling around on the soft, sunny spots of the room.
• Pollen. You can track in pollen on your shoes and clothing, or let it in once you open your windows for some fresh air.
• Mold. Humid areas of the home are more likely to get moisture trapped in the fibers of rugs or carpet.
• Bacteria. Tracking in dirt and mud, spilling substances, and pet messes can all create a breeding ground for viruses.

The buildup of these particles not only lead to respiratory problems when you breathe them in, but they also negatively affect the air quality in your home and could cause skin irritations. But there’s a way to help prevent pollutants from ruining your relaxing space.

Clean Carpets for a Healthy Home

Keeping your home clean is paramount in helping to prevent health problems, but it’s not the only way.

• Cleaning. Vacuum your carpets and rugs regularly to remove dirt and allergens, and even more frequently if you have kids or pets. Deep clean the carpet at least once a year following the care instructions for the type of flooring material.
• Address moisture issues. Fix any leaks or moisture issues in the room to prevent mold growth. If the area has been flooded, properly dispose of the carpet and consider alternate flooring options in the future.
• Hypoallergenic materials. Choose carpets with low pile and fibers that are less likely to trap allergens.
• Maintenance. Remove shoes at the door to prevent tracking in outdoor grime. Replace old, worn, and heavily stained carpet that’s more likely to release dusty fibers.

Rugs and carpets are supposed to add a soft, cozy feel to the room and protect hard floors. Don’t let it negatively effect your health and home aesthetics. With proper maintenance, you can enjoy more of the comfort and less of the coughing. Contact JDog Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care to learn about our deep cleaning services to help maintain a safe and healthy home.