The Connection Between
Carpet And Allergies

The connection between carpet and allergies is very real. Carpet has long been regarded as the enemy when it comes to allergies and even asthma. 

Carpet is a virtual magnet for allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and other potentially aggravating contaminants.

Allergens are antigens, typically proteins, that provoke allergic reactions like coughing and sneezing in people with hypersensitive immune systems. 

Allergies can be triggered by many things found in your home’s soft surfaces such as carpet, upholstery, draperies and mattresses which often contain many times more allergens than found on hard surfaces.  

Those living with carpet and allergies have historically been advised to remove all carpet in the home because carpet traps allergens. It is believed that this exacerbates the symptoms of these conditions.

Some allergists even advise removing all cloth draperies/window treatments and replacing fabric upholstery with leather.

Two Schools Of Thought With
Respect To Carpet And Allergies

One school of thought claims carpet fibers actually trap allergy-provoking substances like dust and pollen and prevent them from circulating in the air where you're more likely to encounter them. 

In theory, carpeting behaves like a giant filter on your floor. It traps dust, pollen, and all kinds of stuff we track in from outside. Just like any filter, they eventually get “full” and need to be emptied out.

It’s only when full, do the allergens get released into the indoor environment to cause an allergic reaction. Best approach is to clean (empty out) the carpet and allergies will be less of an issue.

The opposing school of thought makes claim to the hypothesis that the slightest movement can disturb these allergens. That means that whenever you sit or walk on that carpet, you're sending all those allergens airborne where they can circulate for several hours.

SIDEBAR [Although it’s widely recognized that more allergens can be found in carpeting than hard flooring, there is nothing to grab hold of the allergens resting on a hard surface. In theory these allergens are more easily air-born with each new air current within the home or office than if carpet is present to trap them. Could this be the reason less allergens are found on hard surfaces than carpet or other soft surfaces?]

Whichever school of thought you subscribe to, allergens trapped in carpet are troubling for individuals and families, especially families with small children. Children that crawl or play on the carpet are right in the thick of things. This can be concerning since their immune systems are developing.

Other irritants such as dust, mold, dirt, pollen, pesticides, tobacco smoke and air pollution get tracked in from outdoors. So where do these contaminants go? After hanging in the air for a while, they eventually end up in your carpet, upholstery, bedding and hard surfaces.

Ending The Connection Between
Carpet And Allergies

Many allergy sufferers attempt to get relief by thoroughly cleaning their indoor environment. One tool in the arsenal is vacuuming. While vacuuming can be useful at removing dust, vacuuming your carpet isn’t enough to remove the majority of allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold, etc.

The best approach to an allergy free and healthy indoor environment is to choose the right professional carpet cleaning service. New Life Carpet & Upholstery service is your best choice for a healthy home or workplace.

We clean for health first. Our cleaning products are hypoallergenic, odorless, and contain ZERO volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) which will not aggravate allergies in even the most chemically sensitive.

A big criticism of carpet steam cleaning companies is that they leave carpet soaking wet. This excessive moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth which in turn causes the air quality of your home or business to worsen.

Our low moisture method cleans deep to thoroughly remove carpet contaminants, allergens and bacteria without promoting mold and mildew growth. Your clean carpet and upholstery is dry and ready to use in about an hour.

A healthy home is important. Although it may not appear obvious, carpeting can be deceivingly dirty and unhealthy. Even the cleanest looking carpet might be hiding a wide range of toxins. These toxins can lead to health hazards for you and your family if they get out of control.

If your home or business has carpet and allergies are experienced by one or more of the occupants, it’s crucial to be aware of the conditions of your home or workspace.

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