Getting The Sniffles From Your Carpet?
The allergens that have piled up in the carpet make living conditions uncomfortable. While the reactions may not be really life-threatening, do you really want to spend your days and nights sneezing, having nasal congestion and even coughing? The pollen, dust, spores, dander and other particles that are in the carpet can get kicked into the airspace when the fibres get disturbed – which occurs whenever someone walks over the carpet. The kids and pets who spend more time playing on the cosy carpet are at a higher risk. These flu-like symptoms can be irksome, making routine carpet cleaning necessary. For those with existing respiratory conditions – such as pulmonary bronchitis or asthma, the allergens will exacerbate the conditions. This is not the environment you want your family members being exposed to. Protect them by putting in place a strict carpet cleaning program.
What about guests? You want them to be comfortable in your home. However, this will be difficult when they keep sneezing the moment they walk into the room. It also reflects negatively on your image, since your guests will no doubt be questioning your hygiene standards. The routine vacuuming is needed to reduce the rate at which the allergens build up in the carpet, which should be done at least once or twice a week. This has the additional benefit of removing that loose debris which is responsible for the wear and tear witnessed of the upholstery. This is because of the abrasive action of the dirt particles, which are grinded against the upholstery whenever people use the furniture. In addition to the vacuuming, a deep carpet cleaning that removes the gunk that is ingrained within the unit will be required to be carried out on a regular basis, the frequency of which will depend on how much traffic is handed in the residence.
Setting A Healthier Space
Allergens are not the only threat that resides within a soiled carpet. There are loads of pathogens, from the bacteria that is growing on the decaying organic matter, to the viral loads that are coughed and sneezed into the environment by persons who are ill. Cases of Athlete’s foot being spread on the carpet while people walk barefoot, pests like fleas that are brought into the home by cats and dogs from their escapades into the neighbourhood – all these put the health of the occupants of the building at risk. The carpet cleaning and sanitation measures are a requirement to create a healthier indoor environment for your loved ones.
Mistakes during carpet care, like overwetting that is common during the DIY projects, have their implications as well. Due to the carpet being soaked in too much moisture, it ends up taking far too long to dry, a situation that allows mould and mildew to grow in the units. These release spores and mycotoxins into the indoor space. To prevent such outcomes, the professionals incorporate high-powered drying system into their processes, that enable the bulk of the moisture content to be removed, reducing the drying time of the carpet from days to just a few hours. In fact, you can resume using the carpet within the same day that it has been cleaned.
Extra Tips For Taking Care Of Your Carpet
Given that your carpet is one of the major furnishing items, you want it to last for long. Here are some DIY tips that will come in handy when dealing with the day-to-day issues that will affect your carpet:
- Blot up spills, don’t rub
Spills are bound to happen. Such accidents are part of life. When they do, a common mistake that people usually make is attempting to rub the stain away. This is counterproductive, as it only causes the stain to get deeper into the carpet fibres. What’s more, there’s the risk of adding to the damage from the debris, due to all that friction and strain that comes with the rubbing motion. When encountering such a situation, blotting is the preferred route. Here, with a paper towel or absorbent cloth, apply a little pressure on the affected area, and allow the material to soak up the stain, instead of rubbing it away. Blot from the outside in, to prevent the spills from spreading.
- Using hydrogen peroxide for blood stains
Are there some blood spots on the carpet? This can as be as a result of nicks or cuts when handling sharp objects, or a family member has come in with an injury. In such a scenario, prepare a mixture of water and some mild soap first, then apply it on the affected area to loosen up the blood stains. Scrape away as much as can be done, then apply some of the hydrogen peroxide on the spot. There will be some foaming the instant the hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with the blood. Allow the reaction to continue for around 30 seconds, then blot up the contents and dry the spot.
- Getting rid of gum
What about those cases where some chewing gum got pressed into the fibres of the carpet? Here, an easy way of handling it is using the freeze-dry method. Basically, place a few ice cubes on the gum for a couple of minutes, then scoop up the gum and contents with a spoon. If there is any gum residue, simply use more ice cubes to freeze and remove it.
A major source of carpet dirt is the soiling that is tracked into the building under people’s shoes. So instead of allowing direct contact with the carpet the moment they enter the house, placing entry mats at the access points will serve as the first barrier of protection. These entry mats are designed to pick up the soiling that’s at the bottom of people’s shoes, with the fibrous nature of the material allowing them to lock in loads of dirt – which would have otherwise been transferred onto the carpet. Remember to clean the entry mat regularly as well, in order for it to retain its functionality.
