Are the textiles in your home causing an allergic reaction?
There has been much debate over the years with regard to this question. Carpet and rug manufacturers claim that their products actually reduce the number of airborne allergens in your home because carpet and rug fibers trap allergens and prevent them from circulating in the air.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, they are right; textiles in the home do trap airborne allergens and over time they build up in your carpets, rugs, and upholstery. In fact, on average one square meter of carpet contains two ounces of dust! If you have children, pets or smokers in the house, your carpet may be even worse.
It is not only your wall to wall carpeting that is gathering dust and allergens. Your area rugs, upholstered furniture, draperies, and mattresses all harbour significant amounts of allergy inducing substances. From dust mites and dead skin cells to dirt, mold, and pollen; the textiles in your home are a haven for allergens.
So, what happens to the allergens when you walk on your carpet, or sit on your sofa?
You guessed it, you inadvertently launch those allergens right back into the air and they can linger for hours. And it is not just you, your children, pets and other family members are busy kicking up allergens in your home all day long; even your air conditioner or heater can exacerbate the problem.
Even if you do not have pets, children, or smokers in your home, your carpets, rugs and upholstery will still absorb common household odours and allergens. If you are sensitive to these allergens they can cause physical reactions such as coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing.
So, what should you do?
Aside from removing your wall to wall carpeting, area rugs, and upholstered furniture, regular carpet, upholstery and rug cleaning can significantly reduce the number of allergens in your home. Having your draperies, mattresses and air ducts regularly cleaned will help as well.
Ask your carpet cleaning service provider if they offer sanitizing and deodorizing services, as these services can help eliminate odours and leave your entire home smelling fresh and clean.