Fluffy carpets can be a beautiful addition to any home. They can make a simple room look larger, more elegant, and more put together. They can even make your room feel cozier and more comfortable! However, there is a price to pay for that extra luxury, since they are often magnets for dust and germs. Not to worry, a little bit of indoor sanitation will do the trick!

How Do Germs Cling to the Carpet?

Carpets are actually an active area of scientific research, especially with more and more people moving into larger homes and buying even more luxurious carpets. Most studies come up with the same results – carpets become home to dust, allergens, pathogens, and many unwanted particles.

This happens simply because of the carpet’s three-dimensional structure, allowing it to act as a sink, wherein particles find their way to the bottom. What’s worse is that these carpets are rarely cleaned thoroughly.

Does a Dirty Carpet Affect Indoor Air Quality?

According to many studies, carpeted floors have adverse effects on indoor air quality because they allow nasty particles to stay indoors and circulate in the air. Others have also found that having carpet will worsen their asthma and allergy symptoms, which is an indicator of worsening air quality.

Therefore, experts recommend avoiding excessive carpeting, but how about those who already have wall-to-wall carpets installed in their homes? It is a matter of sterilizing and sanitizing their carpets regularly and properly.

Clean Your Carpet for Improved Indoor Sanitation

Wall-to-wall carpeting is not recommended by experts since it gives germs and dust more ways to stay inside your house. However, that does not mean that you should get rid of it totally. Here are a few ways to keep that luxurious flooring while staying clean and healthy:

• Wash Carpets Regularly

Aside from the usual vacuuming routine, you should wash your carpets regularly with soap and water, and even some mild disinfectant to get rid of dust and germs and kill any pathogens that get left behind.

• Purchase Carpets with a Green Label from the Carpet Research Institute

Carpets with the Green Label have been screened for any possible toxic materials that may worsen indoor air quality. These carpets reduce your exposure to volatile organic compounds from the carpet or adhesive.

• Maintain Carpets with a HEPA Vacuum

A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum comes with a filter that makes cleaning the carpet more effective. You should be able to vacuum your carpet weekly and in multiple passes.

• Keep Your HVAC Clean

Since your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit is responsible for the circulation of air, you should clean it too. Dust and pathogens are often free riders in the air that can be eliminated through the system’s filter, which you should be changing regularly. It also helps to have your HVAC inspected annually for any defects and for a routine deep cleanse.

Even though these large carpets are magnets for dust and dirt, their timeless elegance will never go out of style. Instead of getting rid of them totally, just make sure to improve your indoor sanitation and cleaning routines to ensure your family’s safety. After all, there is nothing wrong with choosing comfortable items for your home for as long as you can keep them clean and functional.