Is Bacteria Hiding In Your Carpet?

A recent article in the NZ Herald refers to research conducted by a UK sofa and carpet specialist showed that the average bedroom carpet is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat. At JAE, we know that, when it comes to carpets, there’s always more than meets the eye! And, while a hearty and regular vacuum can eliminate a good portion of dust and dirt, there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface than we realise.

It’s important to consider the large portion of substances deep within your carpets that vacuuming cannot reach. Left untreated, these substances, including bacteria and mould and mildew spores, can have a serious impact on your health and the health of your family and pets. They can exacerbate conditions such as eczema, hay fever, allergic reactions and allergies in general.

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Bugs and Bacteria

Without even realising, your carpet could be full of many unwelcome guests. These include fleas, moth larvae, dust mites and possibly more including a variety of bacteria. Many of these microscopic creatures stick around due to the steady supply of dead skin flakes we shed every day. While it may sound harmless, creatures like dust mites can affect human health. They can cause allergic reactions and various research suggests allergies to dust mites can be a large contributor to childhood asthma.

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Mould, Mildew and More

Similar to microscopic insects, mould, mildew and other possible bacteria can be in our carpet without us even realising. Harmful pathogens and bacteria can go undetected and cause illness in the household. Mould and mildew thrive in humid, warm environments. Food and drink spills can leave behind various bacteria that can lead to allergies, colds, sneezing, and even long-term breathing issues.  

There are a few things you can do to minimise the potential harm your carpet’s ecosystem could cause. Removing shoes before walking on your carpet can minimise the transfer of bacteria. Vacuuming once a week will help prevent the build-up of dust and dirt. However, the best way to approach this hidden world is getting a professional carpet clean annually. At JAE, we provide a Carpet Cleaning Service to help keep your carpet free of dirt and allergens. Our extensive carpet cleaning process can improve the health of you and your household while bringing your carpet back to life.

FAQs:

1. Why is a dirty carpet a health concern?
   Unwashed carpets harbor bacteria, mold, mildew, and dust mites, which can worsen allergies, eczema, hay fever, and even contribute to childhood asthma. Regular vacuuming isn't enough to remove these hidden substances.
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2. How can I effectively clean my carpet and reduce hidden germs?
   While removing shoes and weekly vacuuming help, the most effective solution is an annual professional carpet cleaning. Services like JAE's can deeply clean and remove harmful bacteria and allergens, improving household health.

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For other carpet cleaning related articles, read our post Start the 2020 School Year right with JAE, Do tenants have to get carpets professionally cleaned and Benefits of Professional Carpet Cleaning Before the Holidays for helpful tips and tricks!