Carpets are great, but they can also be a major source of allergens and indoor pollution.
The same fibers that keep our feet warm and comfortable also absorb an astounding array of allergens and irritants.
While modern carpets tend to absorb less they’re not perfect.
If you’re wondering if you’ve got carpet allergies, and what to do about them, then you’re in good hands. Let’s dive in together and get to the root of the problem.
What Are Carpet Allergies?
While it can seem like everything is blamed for allergies these days, carpets have been the subject of enough studies that we know it can be a serious problem.
The fibers can absorb common allergens easily. These include dust mite droppings, skin flakes, pet dander, and more.
For those with allergies the increased level of allergens can make life miserable.
In addition to the stuff that causes carpet allergies, dirty carpets can also rope in mildew, mold, and other fungi that create problems for those with asthma and other respiratory disorders.
Fortunately, clean carpeting doesn’t seem to cause problems, but even with regular vacuuming, you won’t be able to remove everything on a constant basis.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to replace your plush carpeting with expensive, solid flooring, however.
What Are Some Specific Causes of Carpet Allergies?
It’s easy to generalize carpet allergies as “stuff caught in the carpet” but for those with specific allergies, it’s often a good idea to figure out if your carpet is actually causing them.
If you’re allergic to any of the following you may have your symptoms worsened by carpet:
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Insect chitin and parts
All of these are common invaders of the fibers that make your home cozy.
In addition, when things get bad enough the following can all cause problems even in people who don’t generally suffer from allergies:
- Mold
- Mildew
- Dirt
These can even cause problems in otherwise healthy people if the carpet isn’t deep cleaned regularly.
Dirty carpets aren’t just unsightly, they can seriously affect your health.
What You Can Do at Home
You may look into professional solutions, of course, but it will often be cost-prohibitive to do so on a regular basis.
Fortunately, you can do some things at home to stretch out the amount of time between professional allergen removal sessions.
The type of carpet you use has a big effect. Older shag carpeting has a tendency to absorb obscene amounts of allergens from the atmosphere, the longer fibers trap pretty much everything that lands on it and can bind it.
Use a low pile carpet for the best end results.
You’ll also want to get a good vacuum cleaner and make a regular schedule. Vacuuming every day can seem like a pain but it’ll also save you a lot of sniffles and runny eyes in the long run.
Running dehumidifiers in carpeted rooms can also help. By dehumidifying the room you’ll be able to starve the moisture that feeds fungi.
In addition to the carpets, you may want to look into allergy-proofing the rooms in your home.
That can be as simple as making sure that you have plastic covers and regularly handle dust that accumulates along baseboards, window sills, and molding rather than letting it get out of hand.
It’ll require a bit of extra effort during your cleaning sessions but it can help pre-emptively solve many problems.
How to Know When It’s Time for Allergen Removal
For many people, it can be hard to determine if your carpet is causing allergies.
The biggest indicator is that you’re suffering from allergies out-of-season while you’re indoors. While many people have hayfever and other allergies, they’re most often seasonal.
The other big tell is if your allergies worsen once you’re in the home.
If they do, then you’re a prime candidate for a professional deep cleaning which will remove the allergens from your carpet and help you enjoy your home that much more.
If you’re not suffering from any symptoms a simple deep cleaning may do it, but an allergen removal from your carpets is always a good idea if your carpet hasn’t been through it before.
What About the Carpet Itself?
If you’re suffering from contact dermatitis or hives when you touch your carpet the culprit may not be specific allergens.
Carpets have both the pile on top and the backing. Either of these can be the source of allergies. Some carpets, such as nylon, may give off fumes that can affect the health of those who are allergic and other people may simply be allergic to one of the components of the flooring.
When this is the case you may need to change the carpeting entirely.
Some of the common substances which are used in carpeting but cause problems include the following:
- Nylon
- Wool
- Jute
- Sisal
- Coconut fiber
- Polyester
If any of these are present in the carpet they can cause complications for those allergic to them.
While a lesser cause of concern, there are some people for whom even the best carpets simply aren’t suitable.
Get Your Carpets Allergen-Free
When it comes to carpet allergies it’s often much better to be safe than sorry. They can make you absolutely miserable inside your own home and many people aren’t even aware of the microscopic world beneath their feet.
You no longer have an excuse. If your allergic symptoms increase while you’re in your home it’s time to make sure that the source is taken care of.
Contact us and we’ll help guide you on the right path to a more comfortable home. Isn’t it time to book an appointment?
