Dirty Carpet Health Risks

Do you know what’s hiding in your carpet? Perhaps you don’t want to find out, but you probably should. 

Not only does your carpet attract dirt tracked in from the outside, but also dust, pollen, and even insects and dust mites. 

Carpets can also harbor allergens, bacteria, and other nasties, even if they don’t smell or look dirty. 

Here is a rundown of the health risks of dirty carpet.

1. Immune Deficiency

The immune system constantly works to keep your body in good condition by eliminating harmful toxins and microorganisms from your system. However, increased stress from living in a dirty environment might weaken your immunity. Uncleaned carpets can be a breeding ground for bacteria, and prolonged exposure to these pathogens can trigger an immune response that leaves you more vulnerable to illness.

Mycotoxins are among the most harmful microorganisms, and they thrive in filthy carpets. They come from a wide variety of molds. The immune system can be compromised by mycotoxin exposure from dirty carpet, which can lead to a variety of health issues, including allergies, stomach infections, and respiratory disorders.

Babies are more susceptible to becoming sick from your dirty carpet because their immune systems are still developing, and they have regular floor contact. For the sake of the health of babies and young children, it is essential to have your carpets regularly vacuumed and professionally cleaned.

2. Skin Irritation

When you walk barefoot on a dirty carpet, fungi and bacteria can enter your system through scrapes, wounds, or other skin openings, leading to an infection or athlete’s foot. At the same time, skin asthma attacks might be triggered by dust mites from a dirty carpet. Even if you clean your house every day, dust mites are tiny enough to sneak past even the most thorough cleaners.

3. Respiratory Problems

Carpets can be a hotbed for mold, dander, dead skin, dust, and grime. Normal, day-to-day activities like walking or sweeping can dislodge and disperse these pollutants into the air. As a result, people living in the household might have trouble breathing or show symptoms like a persistent cough. People living with asthma may experience these effects more strongly because they are more susceptible to airborne pollutants. The American Lung Association warns that harmful particles in the carpet pose a greater threat to pets and young children since they are constantly on the floor.

4. Allergies

Mold and dust mites, which can cause respiratory irritation, can also trigger allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to them. Accumulated dirt in carpeting is a surefire way to set off an allergic reaction and make your life miserable. Cleaning your carpets is one of the first things you should do if you regularly have allergy-like symptoms upon waking. However, you may notice an increase in your symptoms in the hours following a cleaning due to the removal of these allergens from the carpet.

5. Gastrointestinal Issues

A damp carpet is more than just an inconvenience. There are many health risks associated with wet carpets that you might not even be aware of. Mycotoxins, which can be produced by mold, cause serious gastrointestinal discomfort and illness, but mold itself can cause a wide range of health problems.

Mold is especially common in basements and can grow undetected. Salmonella may even be living on your carpet. Salmonella is commonly associated with food, but this bacterium can be brought into the home on shoes, putting everyone at risk, especially young children.

6. Pet Germs

Having clean carpets is crucial for everybody, but it becomes even more so if they have pets. The urine and excrement from your pets can cause a variety of problems for your carpet. Animal waste can be especially problematic for tiny children who come into contact with unclean carpets because it can carry pathogens and emit odors like ammonia, which can cause nasal and respiratory irritation.

Furthermore, mold growth is facilitated by the presence of moisture; therefore, prompt cleanup of affected areas is essential. Diseases and pathogens can spread quickly, especially among cats and dogs who spend time both inside and outside the home. If you don’t keep your house clean and give your pets frequent baths, fleas and ticks may find their way inside. It usually takes more than just a good cleaning to get rid of these pests; high temperatures or chemical treatments may also be necessary.

7. Psychological Distress

A dirty carpet can cause a variety of health problems, including those related to your mental state. Caring for an ill child or getting rid of a pest problem in your home can be very stressful. Physical symptoms and a lowered immune system are direct results of stress, as has been established by the American Psychological Association. Thus, clean carpets will do more than just improve your health. They will help with your continued happiness as well.

How To Keep Your Carpets Clean

Carpets should be vacuumed at least once every week to maintain their good condition. Of course, you may have to vacuum your carpet more often if they get a lot of use. Carpets in high-traffic areas should be vacuumed every day, according to some experts. On the other hand, once or twice a week will do for regions with low to moderate foot activity.

There are times when even a thorough vacuum is not enough to remove all the embedded debris from your carpet. In cases like these, hiring professional carpet cleaners is the best option. It’s vital to get your carpets professionally cleaned on a regular basis since they can trap dust, pathogens, and other potentially hazardous particles.

When determining how often to get your carpet professionally cleaned, consider the carpet’s placement and the number of people who walk through it every day. There are carpets that need to be deep cleaned every six months, whereas others go two years between professional cleanings.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been asking “Can my carpets be making me sick?,” we hope this article has enlightened you. More than just a decorative touch, carpets can actually affect your health. Mold spores, pet dander, dust mites, dust, dirt, and grime are just some of the contaminants and allergens that can become trapped in carpets. 

Having your carpets cleaned by a professional like Carpet DryClean once every 12 to 18 months is essential for maintaining optimal indoor air quality and minimizing the risk of illness in your household. 

At Carpet DryClean, our carpet cleaning methods are environmentally friendly and safe to use around pets and children. With our help, your dirty carpets can be restored to its former glory and greatly reduce the health risks dirty carpets pose as mentioned above! 

Contact us at (919) 878-0748 to learn more about our services.

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