Perhaps you have been told to remove the carpeting from your home because of your allergies. You may
have done this and found that your allergies did not improve and you are wondering why.
It is true that wood and other hard surface floors are non-allergenic. It is also true that carpeting traps
and holds pollutants, allergens, soils and more. However, the fact that carpeting does trap and hold
these substances is a positive factor.
Scientific reviews and evidence point to the fact that carpeting is not the problem with the allergies. In
Sweden as wall-to-wall carpeting declined from 40% in 1970 to only 2% in 1992, asthma and allergy-
related problems increased “precipitously.” In tests conducted at Professional Testing Labs in Dalton,
Ga. using a “walking” machine on both carpeted and smooth floors, it was found that air-borne particle
levels were nine times higher on the smooth floors as compared to the carpeted floors. Just walking
across a hard surface floor stirs up a “cloud” of dust and allergens.
Keeping both types of surfaces clean by vacuuming with a high-efficiency micro filtration or HEPA filtration
vacuum is very important. For the allergy prone, professional carpet cleaning at least every 12 months is
recommended to remove up to 95% of the soil, allergens, and contaminants.
Did you know that the air inside your home or office can be harmful to your health? The EPA
(Environmental Protection Agency) estimates indoor pollution levels to be two to five times higher than
outdoors.
The sources of this inside pollution affecting the IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) comes from many sources
including the furnishings, household and cleaning products, dust from heat sources, pollens coming in
on clothing, shoes, and pets, molds growing in damp places, animal dander from pets, and dust mites’
dried feces. Some or all of these things infiltrate into the carpet, attach to furnishings and drapes, and
end up in air ducts. Depending on your sensitivity, you may experience minor throat irritations,
headaches, stuffy nose, or even serious respiratory or heart problems. According to Clemson University
Cooperative Extension, dust mites are second only to pollen in causing allergic reactions.
To protect the IAQ and your health, use mats at doorways to trap the soil, take shoes off at the door, use
HEPA filtered vacuums, and regularly have the carpets, mattresses, and upholstery professionally
cleaned to remove the allergens. IICRC Certified Firms have technicians trained in proper cleaning
techniques for various carpet, fibers, and textiles. Improve your IAQ by scheduling your spring carpet and
upholstery cleaning.
Within the last three years, technology has radically changed the carpet and floor cleaning industry which
is ultimately benefiting the consumer. Here is a brief recap of a few of these changes:
- Textile fibers with improved properties.
- Cleaning agents that clean better, and are safer for technician, client, and environment.
- NASA technology that “sees dirt” now certifying efficiency of cleaning equipment and cleaning
agents. - IICRC technician certification assuring instruction and knowledge.
- Tile and grout cleaning with an EPA approved no mop method that really cleans.
- Color restoration for nylon carpets.
- Vacuums with high efficiency and HEPA filtered.
Because of these and other changes in the cleaning industry, it is important for consumers to carefully
choose a firm certified and equipped to meet the cleaning challenges of today with today’s technology.
businesses, and homeowners maximize their capital investment in carpets,
flooring, and upholstery - improving appearance and extending useful life.
