Did you know that 60% of dust and mould allergies are caused by dirty carpets? And they don’t necessarily have to look nasty to harm you. Scary, isn’t it?
Types of Allergens in the Carpet
The NHS website explains that dust allergies are most commonly developed as a result of dust mites. These are microscopic insects hiding in dust particles and getting stuck in your carpet fibres. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter can help, but it is not the ultimate solution. The best way to prevent dangerous amounts of dust mites building up is having your carpets professionally cleaned every 6 months.
Another common allergen found in soft floor covering is pollen. People who suffer from hay fever would have a really hard time breathing at home in the presence of pollen trapped in the carpet. The allergy causes blocked nose and runny eyes. It is not life-threatening, but it is very uncomfortable.
Pet owners have one more tiny villain to fight. Dander. Those are extremely small skin particles shed from animals with fur or feathers. High exposure to pet dander can become a cause for an allergy development over time. To avoid the build-up, invest in regular carpet cleaning.
If a wet spill is not properly handled and dried on the carpet, it can be a reason for the formation of mould. Some wet cleaning methods and inappropriate ventilation can do the same. The bad smell of mould developing in your carpet is the smallest of problems you can have as a result. A more dangerous consequence is getting a mould allergy. If this condition is not managed, it can grow into chronic rhinitis and eventually asthma. Asthma attacks can be life-threatening. People with this condition are often advised to opt for wooden or other hard surface flooring.
Other Effects the Carpet Has on Your Health
Allergens are only one side of the effects carpets can have on human health. Badly-maintained carpets severely affect the quality of air in an indoor space. This leads to disturbed sleeping patterns and therefore constant tiredness during the day. One of the often overlooked causes for extreme snoring is actually a dirty carpet or mattress. Some of the tiny dirt particles enter your nostrils and block part of your airways. As a result less oxygen reaches your brain. That’s key for the proper functioning of all your body organs and ultimately affects how you feel when you wake up.
Disturbed sleep, or too short periods spent in deep sleep have a direct impact on your energy levels and memory. Over time, even your immune system gets weakened and it becomes much harder for your body to fight bacterial or viral infections.
All this trouble caused by a dirty carpet! Who would’ve thought?
Luckily, you can avoid such unpleasant scenarios by simply booking a professional carpet cleaning service. Don’t wait until it starts looking rough, take the needed precautions and protect your family’s health.
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