How Does Carpet Cleaning Reduce Allergies?
Learn How To Reduce Allergens for A Healthier Carpet
Do your carpets make you sneeze? Do they cause your eyes to itch and water? You’re not alone! Lots of people have allergies that get worse when their carpets are dirty. The good news is that cleaning your carpets can really help reduce symptoms for asthma and allergy sufferers.
In this article, we’ll talk about:
- Why dirty carpets cause allergic reactions
- Different carpet cleaning methods
- Which method is best
- Tips for cleaning your carpets like regular vacuuming
- Advice for hiring a trained carpet cleaner
We’ll also answer some common questions people have about carpet cleaning and allergies. Hopefully you will see why hiring a professional carpet cleaning service is really wirth it. Ready to breathe easy? Let’s get started!
What Cause Allergies in Carpets?
Carpets can hold onto all kinds of yucky stuff that makes allergies worse – dust, dirt, pollen, mold, and more. These things are known as allergens. When you walk on your carpet, those allergens get kicked up into the air where you can breathe them in. No good!
Carpets also absorb a type of chemical called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some VOCs can cause allergy and asthma symptoms. The older and dirtier your carpet, the more VOCs it has absorbed. It can also reduce indoor air quality.
Steam Cleaning vs Dry Cleaning
There are two main methods for deep cleaning carpets: steam cleaning and dry cleaning. Which method is best for reducing allergies? Let’s compare:
Steam Cleaning
This method uses hot water and cleaning solutions to deep clean your carpet. The steam helps loosen up and remove allergens deep down in the carpet fibers.
Pros: Gets carpets very clean. The warm temperature of the steam kills mold and bacteria. Plus it helps remove VOCs.
Cons: Longer dry time – carpets remain damp for 6-12 hours. Can use a lot of water.
Tip: If you choose this method remember of open windows get make the floors dry quicker. You wan to try and minimise the duration you have wet carpets.
Dry Cleaning
This method uses a powder mixed with cleaning solvents that is brushed into the carpet then vacuumed up. No steam or liquids involved.
Pros: Carpets dry quickly, usually within 1 hour. Uses less moisture. Still gets carpets reasonably clean.
Cons: May not remove allergens as deeply or thoroughly as steam. Some VOCs may remain.
Which Method is Best?
For reducing allergies, steam cleaning is usually the better choice. The hot water and steam can penetrate deeply and sanitise them more completely.
This more thorough cleaning helps remove more trapped allergens and VOCs from carpets.
Yes, dry cleaning is faster. But for allergy relief, the deeper clean of steam cleaning is worth the longer drying time.
Just make sure to keep pets and kids off the carpets until completely dry.
Tips for Seasonal Carpet Maintenance
Don’t just deep clean your carpets once a year! Follow these tips to keep carpets cleaner between professional cleanings during allergy seasons:
- Vacuum frequently – at least once a week to suck up dust and allergens near the carpet surface. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
- Pre-treat stains – Don’t let them set! Mix up some mild soap and water and blot stains immediately to lift dirt.
- Clean entrance mats – Prevent outdoor allergens and dirt from getting tracked inside. Shake out doormats and wash entrance rugs regularly.
- Consider allergy covers – Covering mattresses and pillows with allergen-proof covers can help reduce sneezing and congestion in bedrooms.
- Watch humidity levels – Keep home humidity between 30-50%. Too much moisture encourages mold growth which worsens allergies. Use a dehumidifier if needed.
Additional Tips
Here are some other quick tips for reducing allergy triggers in your home:
- Wash bedding frequently in hot water to kill dust mites.
- Use HEPA air purifiers to filter out allergens.
- Dust often with microfiber cloths.
- Have carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year.
- Replace HVAC air filters regularly.
- Clean drapes and upholstery to remove pollen and pet dander.
Questions to Ask A Professional Carpet Cleaner
- What type of cleaning methods do you use? Are they effective for allergen removal?
- Do you offer any disinfectant or sanitising services to kill bacteria and mold?
- Are your cleaning solutions safe for those with dust mite allergies and asthma?
- Does your method extract all moisture so carpets dry quickly?
- Do you use HEPA filtered equipment to contain dust and allergens?
- Do you offer green or hypoallergenic cleaning solutions?
- Will your process remove dust mites?
- How soon after cleaning can the carpets be walked on?
- How long have you been professionally steam cleaning carpets for allergy sufferers?
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about carpet cleaning and allergies:
How often should I get my carpets professionally cleaned?
Aim to have your carpets steam cleaned every 12-18 months. Clean more often if you have kids or pets.
Should I clean my carpets myself or hire a professional?
Professionals have better equipment to get carpets truly deep clean. Their powerful machines remove way more allergens than DIY rug shampoos.
How long after cleaning before my carpets are dry and safe?
Expect it to take 6-12 hours for carpets to fully dry after steam cleaning. Keep people and pets off until carpets are completely dry.
When’s the best time to clean carpets?
Schedule cleanings in spring and fall when windows are open for ventilation. Avoid wet carpet cleaning in colder winter months.
Will carpet cleaning get rid of dander and pollen?
Yes! Hot water extraction removes these contaminants trapped deep into carpted flooring.
Let’s Breathe Easier!
There you have it – everything you need to know about carpet cleaning and allergy reduction. The bottom line is that carpets harbor loads of common allergens. Getting carpets steam cleaned professionally once or twice a year is the best way to keep allergy symptoms at bay.
Breathe deep and stop sneezing! With some diligent carpet maintenance, you can create a cleaner home environment and get relief from runny noses, itchy eyes, and wheezing. No more suffering seasonal allergy attacks or vacuuming twice a day. Just fresher, healthier indoor air so you and your family can live comfortably.
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