Whether it’s “allergy season” or not, personal allergies can drag anyone down. From headaches and constant sneezing to runny noses and crazy coughs, allergies can hit hard.
Typically, we think of allergens as airborne particles, whizzing through the air and into our noses. However, it’s easy for allergens to get trapped in our homes and cause even more trouble. For instance, carpet fibers can trap them and cause headaches and health issues for the people who live around the space.
Before allergy season takes you out, be sure to take some preventative measures to ensure you never suffer any more than you have to. To learn more about these tactics, keep reading.
Why Are Carpets a Problem When You Have Allergies?
Carpets are made of fibers and fabric. Whether it’s natural or synthetic, the fibers collect and hold debris, ranging from dirt and dust to bacteria and other particles. For anyone who suffers from allergies, that’s a problem. This is because those other particles that gather in the carpet include mold and pollen.
Moreover, that’s just when the carpet is under normal use. If a carpet gets wet or sustains water damage, it can become a host for even more harmful types of mildew and mold. Unlike other fabrics, such as towels or clothes, carpets hold mold and pollen long after your regular vacuuming and cleaning cycles. The longer they stick in the carpet fibers, the deeper they work their way into the fabric. That makes them even more difficult to remove.
On their own, these carpet problems don’t cause allergies much more than the spores and particles in the air. The problem is that they boost the reactions that we might have, especially those with sensitive allergies. Worse yet, they continue to wreak havoc well after allergy season is over. That can make people in your house more susceptible to congestion and winter illnesses.
Allergies can be a significant concern for many individuals, and maintaining a clean home environment is crucial in reducing allergens. One effective way to combat allergies is by ensuring your carpets are thoroughly cleaned by professionals like carpet cleaning Dallas.
Does the Type of Carpet Matter?
Yes and no, unfortunately. Carpets can hold onto particles like pollen no matter what the material is. Even synthetic nylon flooring has bristles that can trap dirt and allergens. Similarly, all carpets have padding at the bottom that is susceptible to water, allowing the formation of mold and mildew.
Still, some materials attract more debris than others. For instance, wool carpets are more hospital to mold and allergens than nylon carpeting. If you suffer from allergies or are sensitive to allergens, there are a few steps you can take when you pick out your carpet.
- Stick with nylon carpeting.
- Avoid shag and opt for carpet that has shorter fibers.
- Opt for Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) carpets, which have fewer chemicals that might trigger an allergic reaction.
Your DIY Checklist for Carpet Cleaning
The best way to remove allergens deep in carpet fibers is to hire a professional cleaning company. Still, there are a few steps you can take to help reduce the impact of these particles on your health. When you stay proactive, it keeps them at bay for longer.
- Vacuum daily, especially if you live in an area with a lot of allergens.
- Spot clean stains ASAP because sitting stains, especially food and drink, can attract bacteria and form mold.
- Try an air purifier to pull harmful mold and pollen particles out of the air before they make their home on your carpet.
- Brush and bathe your pets often because shedding pets make it difficult to combat allergies.
Now, these are replacements for a professional cleaning. However, they can help to reduce the frequency of your cleanings and hold off allergens between cleanings.
Professional Deep Cleanings
The best option for deep cleaning is a professional carpet cleaning service. Trained carpet cleaners have stronger equipment than most homeowners that allow them to pull dirt, debris, and allergens from deep within carpet fibers.
Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to have carpet cleaners care for your carpets about once each year. For the best results, though, once every three months is a great way to keep your carpets healthy. This dramatically decreases the amount of dust and allergens in the carpets and in your home.
Prevent Your Allergy Headaches
With a combination of at-home and professional cleanings, you can reduce the impact allergies have on you. Outside of regular cleanings, be sure that you address any stains and water damage as soon as possible. With a trusted cleaner on your side, you can maintain a cleaner, healthier home.
