Although it may not appear obvious, carpets can be deceivingly dirty and unhealthy! Even the cleanest looking carpets might be hiding a wide range of mold, mildew, fungi, pesticides and other toxins. These toxins can lead to health hazards for you and your family if they get out of control.
Did you know that experts estimate that 80% of the exposure we have to pesticides happen in our own homes? Dirty carpets are known to hold up to 8 times their weight in bacteria and dirt. This can lead to respiratory issues and allergy problems if not addressed. For kids and pets who spend more time in contact with carpet, the threat of exposure to toxins only increases.
Studies show that people spend an average of 90% of their time indoors. Every time we enter a home, office or other building, we are unknowingly bringing a host of pollutants in with us. This is also true for children and pets coming indoors.
Have you ever noticed, when the light is right, the small particles of dust floating in the air? They are typically more noticeable when sunlight is coming through the window, but they are always there. This is the air that we are breathing in and out, over and over each day. These small particles will eventually settle into the carpet where they can fester and mingle with other toxins, only to be stirred up again into the air for someone to breathe in.
Related: Carpet Cleaning Tips
Here are just a few of the more dangerous bacteria that can be found in carpet that goes without cleaning:
- Campylobacter – Bacteria found in damp carpets during the winter that can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fevers.
- Norowalk Virus or Norovirus – Virus that has been known to live in carpets for months at a time and can cause severe stomach flu.
- Kawasaki Syndrome – This is an illness that can cause physical disabilities and severe health issues. It occurs when people breathe in bacteria and chemical toxins found in carpet that adhere to their lungs.
- Salmonella – Many people are familiar with this diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps causing bacteria, but are unaware that it can be found in the carpet of their own home.
Vacuuming does help, but even the best vacuum on the market will only pick up around 15% of the dirt in your carpet. The best thing you can do to avoid the spreading of these bacteria and toxins is to have your carpet cleaned by a professional on a regular basis. A good, deep clean of your carpet at least once a year will help to prevent illness and health problems in your home.
Interested in having your carpet cleaned by the best known service in Phoenix? Call Dr. Chem-Dry Carpet & Tile Cleaning today at 602chemdry or 602-243-6379.
