The Many (Often Unknown) Dangers of Having Dirty Carpets

Did you know your carpet can cause health problems? Germs, mold, and bacteria thrive on the fibers and within the fibers on carpeted surfaces. Homeowners need to understand the potential dangers so they can protect themselves, their family, and their home. Here’s a look at how a dirty carpet creates an unsafe environment.

The Many (Often Unknown) Dangers of Having Dirty Carpets

In a perfect world, you vacuum your carpet weekly to keep the dust, dirt, and germs at a minimum. However, life is not perfect. And even if you keep up with your vacuuming, there are many other ways your carpets can get contaminated.

Bacteria and other microorganisms thrive in carpets. They love the warmth and food supply provided by the dirt and dander. Since carpets harbor germs, they can make you sick. Carpets are especially dangerous to children and elderly people, who are more susceptible to illness and infection.

Here are some ways dirt and germs can make you sick:

1 - Allergies

Some people are susceptible to allergies to dander and other materials inhaled from carpets. Pets, dead skin, dust, dirt, and other material in a carpet have the potential to cause allergies and asthma.

2 - Asthma

Carpets can trap and retain dirt and dander. These microscopic particles can aggravate your lungs and cause asthma symptoms. Mold and bacteria can also irritate your lungs and cause respiratory problems.

3 - Pneumonia

The dangerous microorganisms in carpets can settle in your lungs and cause pneumonia. These organisms can also spread to other parts of your body and cause infections.

4 - Viruses

Dirt, dander, mold, and bacteria in your carpet can carry dangerous viruses, including pan-enteroviruses, herpes simplex, adenoviruses, cytomegalovirus, and West Nile virus. The viruses can spread to your respiratory tract or skin. Serious infections may result.

5 - Stomach Bugs

Germs in your carpet can travel to your stomach and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. The most common illness is intestinal influenza, which is spread by fecal material on the fibers. They can also become infected with E. coli and Salmonella.

6 - Respiratory Disorders

Dirty carpets can harbor mold and bacteria in their fibers. If you inhale the material, you can develop respiratory disease, such as asthma. You can also develop a lung infection, such as pneumonia.

7 - Coughs, Colds, and Flu

Many of the germs found in carpets or carpet dust can cause colds, flu, and respiratory problems. They might also lead to pneumonia if not caught in time.

8 - Eye, Skin, and Nail Infections

Your carpet can carry dangerous microorganisms that may cause infections in your eyes, skin, or nails.

9 - Blood and Tissue Infections

Germs in a dirty carpet can travel to your blood or other tissues and cause serious infections.

Conclusion

Carpets can be a breeding ground for dangerous germs and microorganisms. You should clean your carpet regularly and replace it when it becomes too dirty. However, even frequent and thorough cleaning can not remove all of the dangerous germs. If you want to remove germs and dangerous pathogens from your carpet, you need to enlist the services of a professional carpet cleaning company.

If you are looking for affordable carpet cleaning services, come to CitruSolution. We are a local, family-owned business that offers carpet cleaning for area rugs and upholstery.