Three Health Hazards In Your Carpet You Should Remove
Posted on: 12 January 2016
In the past, there has been some concern about whether carpets release volatile organic compounds that could be bad for a consumer's health. The good news about a carpet is that it is one of the lowest emitters of volatile organic compounds. There may be a few volatile organic compounds released after a carpet is installed, but these contaminants can be eliminated by airing out your home. However, your carpet can still trap toxins that can be bad for your health if you do not keep your carpet adequately clean. Understanding these health hazards can help you determine how much you should clean your carpet.
1. Mold And Mildew
Your carpet can contain mold and fungus. These organisms often contaminate a carpet when it is exposed to too much moisture. Once mold has been established in your carpet, using steam cleaning is usually not enough to kill the mold or mildew. You will need the assistance of a mold remediation company and you may need to have your carpet removed. To avoid having mold develop in the first place, control the moisture of your carpet. If there is a large spill, clean it up quickly. If an area of your carpet floods, use a steam cleaner to remove as much moisture as possible. Also, do not store carpets in locations that are more likely to be exposed to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Allergens
One of the upsides of carpets is that they hold allergens. Therefore, the allergens are not able to go airborne and exacerbate the allergies suffered by occupants of the home. However, when vacuuming, if the vacuum kicks up some of the dust, you may inhale the allergens and have an allergic reaction. Still, you will need to vacuum regularly to remove the dust, allergens and mold from your home. Make sure to get a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) air filter. These vacuums can remove 99.7% of small particles.
3. Bacteria
Vacuums can contain bacteria for a few months if they use vacuum bags. Therefore, it is recommended that you instead use a plastic removable cylinder that can be more easily cleaned. Also, newer vacuums tend to contribute to better air quality than older vacuums. Heat from a steam cleaner will also kill any bacteria present.
If you are uncertain about whether you are adequately protecting your family from toxins in your carpet, contact a carpet cleaning specialist. By having a conversation about your carpet, the cleaning company will be able to determine the most-effective way to eliminate mold, allergens, and bacteria.
For professional carpet cleaning, contact a company such as H & L Janitorial Service.
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