Can Dirty Carpets Cause Allergies?

Have you suddenly started sneezing, coughing or itching while in your home? While there could be many causes, dust and dirt lingering in carpet fibres could be a factor. Even if you love a good vacuum on a regular basis, allergens and dust build up daily and some bacteria doesn’t get picked up even by the most powerful vacuum cleaners.

Carpets are cozy to have underfoot, but they are generally more difficult to keep clean than hardwood floors. Pollen, mould, dust, animal hair and many other microscopic irritants can attach to carpet pile. These come into your home from shoes, in through the windows and attached to pets. It’s recommended to call in expert Adelaide carpet cleaners on a regular basis to keep carpet irritants at bay. Here’s some health issues you may experience from dirty carpets.

Common Health Issues That Could Be Caused by A Dirty Carpet

It’s inevitable that airborne dirt, dust and particles will end up in the carpet. Here are some common health issues that could be caused or exacerbated by a dirty carpet;

• Allergies. You may be allergic to pollen, dust or something else. And these microscopic particles can sit in carpets causing symptoms to flare or build up
• Respiratory issues. Mould, dirt, dust and allergens get trapped in the carpet. When people walk over the carpet, this can dislodge these particles sending them into the air. This can really bother people with asthma or cause non-sufferers to get an irritated airway
• Itchy, irritated skin. Dust mites and bacteria can cause skin to get irritated. You may notice signs like red patches, athletes foot or eczema
• Low immune system. If you’re living in a home with a constantly dirty carpet, your immune system can go into overdrive. This may cause it to get tired and to even weaken
• Stomach problems. If your carpet has damp, it could be the host for salmonella or other stomach churning toxins. Don’t let mould fester – call in professional steam carpet cleaners to rectify the problem

How to Eliminate Allergens from a Carpet?

Regular vacuuming is important to keep your carpet in good health. But, it’s important to realise vacuuming does not eliminate every single allergen. Having a long pile or short pile carpet also makes a difference.

Every three to six months, aim to get the high traffic carpeted areas steam cleaned by professionals. Consider doing it even sooner if you have pets or young children in the home. For lower traffic areas, a professional carpet clean once a year should suffice. Remember – even if your carpet doesn’t look dirty, it could still have little nasties living in the carpet pile. Get yourself a regular vacuuming schedule and professional deep cleaning schedule, to keep allergens at bay.