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You might think that carpets are made from natural materials because most feel soft and plush. Most carpets, however, are made of synthetic fibers. Manufacturers like using these materials because they are cheap and stain-resistant. Unfortunately, toxic chemicals are utilized when carpets are manufactured and installed. If these chemicals are released, continuous exposure can pose a risk to your indoor air quality and overall health. Older carpets can also be harmful as these trap dust, pet dander, mold, bacteria, and other debris that are not easily removed.
Is carpet bad for your air quality?
Carpets can negatively affect your IAQ. However, this does not mean you can’t do anything to combat this situation. Knowing who to call to deep clean your carpets, how to clean carpets, and how to keep the air clean means you can have carpets in your home without worry. Carpets can become a huge problem when you leave them to gather dust and other contaminants without regular cleaning.
Without regular cleaning, you and your family may experience symptoms pertaining to respiratory illnesses. You might notice that you cough and sneeze more than usual, have a runny nose, or have trouble breathing properly. If you have a pre-existing condition like asthma, you might even suffer more than usual because of the carpet’s dust and debris.
You might even suffer from allergies when exposed to these airborne particles. Some people are highly sensitive to dust mites or pet dander. These can cause allergic reactions, such as skin irritations, continuous sneezing, or high fever.
Our body has a defense system that protects us from harmful particles found in our immediate environment. However, it can weaken as time passes and when it is overburdened with a toxic environment. Babies and toddlers also frequently crawl on the floor and are more likely to come in contact with carpets and their pollutants than adults.
Steps to take before buying carpet.
Before you purchase a carpet, it is a must to conduct the necessary safety measures to ensure that you can better manage your home’s indoor pollution. Here are some of the things you need to think about if you have your heart set on getting a carpet for your home:
Research: In order to assure your air will be minimally affected by installing new carpets, look into more than the design, color, and cost when choosing a carpet. Research on the different kinds of carpet materials. It is always recommended that you go for natural fibers. However, if this is beyond your budget, you can opt for the least toxic synthetic one.
Look for information regarding their VOC emissions: Find out if there is any information about the carpet’s emission of volatile organic compounds or VOCs. Most carpets release VOCs to some degree. However, some carpets are still eco-friendlier than others. Find out which brands have less toxic carpets for their consumers and go for these green brands instead.
Stay somewhere else during the installation: Carpets are installed using foul-smelling adhesives that emit harmful particles. Therefore, opt for alternatives to keep your carpet in place. You and your family should also stay somewhere else so that you do not inhale the unpleasant smell and poor IAQ during carpet installation. These should clear out after a few days.
Have proper ventilation and air filtration in affected areas: Pollutant removal can go faster if you have proper ventilation at home. Do this by opening the windows in the affected area so that fresh air can circulate and take the contaminants outside. Open all exhaust fans around your home as well.
Read and follow care instructions: All carpets have different maintenance guides that depend on the materials used and their construction. Therefore, read the manufacturer's care instructions and follow them carefully. Make sure you clean the carpet regularly, especially the areas you tend to pass through a lot.
Cleaning your carpet
Just vacuuming your carpet will not completely remove the allergens and pollutants from deep within your carpet fibers. Your carpet and upholstery may require professional cleaning to completely remove what may be negatively affecting your indoor air quality. Fresh Air Matters has revolutionized the indoor air quality industry by offering local plans and services, such as carpet cleaning, that have been proven to collect, remove, and eliminate indoor airborne allergens negatively affecting your indoor air quality and overall health. Our carpet cleaning service uses top-of-the-line machinery, and family-friendly chemicals, and offers honest, transparent, and up-front pricing allowing you to know what you're price is before we even walk in the door.
Click HERE or CONTACT US for more information or to schedule your carpet cleaning.