We've just finished up our summer cleaning and are getting ourselves amped up for fall! We couldn't be more excited to welcome in the season that allows us to enjoy all things cozy. Big sweaters, fuzzy socks, hot tea, and of course, carpeting! If different floors represented the spirit of each given season, carpeting would definitely be the poster child of fall.
While the soft surface does welcome people into your home unlike any other floor, there are some less-than-inviting things you need to be aware of when it comes to caring for your carpet. Those plush fibers can trap in some nasty things if not properly attended to. Here are the biggest offenders:
1) Living Creatures
Unfortunately, bugs like to be cozy just as much as you do. Fleas, bed bugs, silverfish, ticks, and dust mites thrive in carpeting. Weaving through the maze of carpet fibers beneath your feet, they mate, lay eggs, and create colonies until your whole carpet is infested. From there they can make their way onto you, your pets, and children. Disgusting!
2) Fungus
Sure, you're a champion at vanquishing all things moldy in your kitchen, but what about in your floor? How careful are you to get every drop of liquid out of your carpet after a spill? Do you allow ample amounts of time for your carpet to dry after steam-cleaning it? It can be tricky to stay on top of this one, but if you aren't diligent about keeping your carpet as dry as possible, mildew and mold - even black mold in some cases - can form in your carpet. This is hazardous to the health of everyone in your home!
3) Pesky Particles
These is perhaps the least surprising culprits on our list. Your floors - carpet or otherwise - are magnets for everything that travels indoors. It is inevitable that dust and dander latches onto your floor. And yes, as humans we shed a LOT of skin everyday, so you can count on your excess cells adding to the problem. The issue can increase with carpet in particular because it gets embedded into the carpet rather than just sitting on the surface. Ever have trouble with allergies in your own home? This could definitely be a contributing factor.
We are by no means trying to deter you from choosing carpet for your home. Every type of flooring you can imagine comes with pros and cons, after all. Carpet is still a wonderful choice to bring style and comfort to any room. We just encourage you to avoid these problems by vacuuming regularly and to get your carpet professionally cleaned a few times a year. If you do this you can enjoy your carpet without worry.