How to keep carpet from polluting indoor air

For all those who love the feel of carpet on their bare feet, some see carpet as the worst flooring and the first thing they tear up when they move in. difficult To keep it cleanand often is superficially “clean” no matter what we do.

Is carpet that bad?

the study Carpets have been shown to “act as reservoirs for contaminants.” This means that dirt, bugs, and all the skin and hair that we regularly shed can get trapped and “resuspend” in piles of carpet. The air when walking on it.And even a “clean” carpet Emit large amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)All of these factors are Effects on your health.

But what if you hate carpet but find yourself stuck in a rental that’s all carpet? Your landlord probably won’t allow you to DIY new flooring, so you’ll have to live with them If you have carpet in your home and are worried about its health effects, there are a few things you can do to minimize your worries.

Having a rule of “no shoes inside the house”

One of the easiest and most effective things you can do is to have a firm policy of “no shoes in the house”. And our shoes track tons of dirt, pesticides, ice-melting salts, animal waste, and just about anything else. carpet.

Placing an entryway rug or doormat just inside the door can also help. This is because it helps keep the carpet in place and takes advantage of the carpet’s tendency to trap dirt. Combined with the no-shoe rule, entry rugs can significantly reduce the amount of contaminants entering your home in the first place.

weekly schedule vacuum

One of the most important aspects of keeping your carpet healthy is vacuuming it. Don’t assume your carpet is clean just because it looks and feels clean. many All the dust, dirt, and germs in that pile are being bounced off the air you’re breathing every time you walk over it.

invest in Right high quality vacuum for your home and use it Even if only slightly Once a week, spend time on the carpet and repeat several times in a crisscross pattern to remove trapped dirt. Make sure the vacuum you choose has a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. This prevents fine dirt particles from escaping the vacuum cleaner and circulating in the air.

Finally, use an all-natural cleaner to attack spills and stains right away. “Settling” stains speeds up the carpet’s transformation into a bacteria factory, and the use of harsh chemical cleaners can further reduce indoor air quality.A simple cleaner made from vinegar, dish soap, baking soda Removes most stains without making you dizzy.

Do an annual steam cleaning

Even with regular vacuuming, carpets accumulate a lot of dirt over the course of a year.The key here is to use “”dry steam cleaningcombines very low moisture and washing powder with high heat to clean and sanitize carpets without leaving them wet. If you don’t dry it thoroughly, mold will easily grow.

Whichever method you choose, deep cleaning your carpet once a year will help prevent the buildup of dangerous contaminants. It also prolongs the life of your carpet, keeping it ‘as good as new’ for longer.

Ventilate your home for better airflow

Finally, think about the airflow in your home. Carpets affect your health by trapping dirt and bacteria, releasing them into your home, and releasing fumes. One of the best ways to combat them is to ventilate your home. If you have central air conditioning, make sure the filters are new and clean and the ducts have been recently serviced. On sunny days, open windows and doors to let in fresh air and use a fan to circulate the air.