Can Dirty Carpets Make You Sick?
Carpets add comfort and style to our homes, but dirty carpets might be making you sick. Carpets trap dust, allergens, and bacteria that can impact your health. Regular professional carpet cleaning, every six months, can make a big difference. Studies show that people who clean their carpets on this schedule get sick less often than those who don’t. We’ll break down why dirty carpets can make you sick in this article. You can also call us at 313-731-0025 to learn more.
Dirty Carpets Lead to Poor Indoor Air Quality
Carpets are magnets for all kinds of pollutants, including dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and bacteria. The American Lung Association points out that these particles can get kicked up into the air whenever you walk on the carpet or even when you vacuum. This can lead to poor indoor air quality and cause respiratory issues.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Health found that carpets in homes where cleaning wasn’t a priority were more likely to be full of harmful bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus—both of which can cause infections. On the flip side, homes with regularly cleaned carpets had much lower levels of these harmful microorganisms.
Hot Water Extraction
This is where professional carpet cleaning comes in. It’s not just about making your carpet look good; it’s about getting rid of the stuff you can’t see. Hot water extraction, also known as steam cleaning, is one of the most effective methods and is used by the carpet technicians at Zeppelin. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, steam cleaning can remove up to 98% of allergens and 89% of airborne bacteria from carpets. The EPA also backs this up. They note that clean carpets help maintain better indoor air quality, which in turn reduces the likelihood of respiratory issues like asthma and allergies. This is especially important if you’ve got kids or pets—both of whom are more vulnerable to the pollutants hiding in your carpet.
Professional Carpet Cleaning Leads to Fewer Illnesses
Here’s where it gets interesting: a study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found a direct link between regular professional carpet cleaning and fewer respiratory illnesses.
Over a year, researchers followed two groups—one that had their carpets cleaned every six months, and another that didn’t. The group with regular cleanings reported 30% fewer cases of colds, flu, and other respiratory problems. The logic is simple: by getting rid of allergens, bacteria, and other pollutants, you reduce the triggers for respiratory issues and infections, leading to a healthier living space.
So here’s the bottom line: dirty carpets can make you sick. Regular professional carpet cleaning isn’t just about keeping your home looking nice—it’s about keeping you and your family healthy. If you want to reduce the risk of getting sick, it’s worth investing in a professional cleaning from the team at Zeppelin every six months. Book your carpet cleaning online today. Your carpet—and your health—will thank you.