Most homeowners have carpeting throughout the home, and it’s a haven for dirt, debris, bugs, dust, and other detritus if not cleaned regularly. Rather than letting your carpeting become an eyesore, research local carpet cleaning services to see what they offer.
What’s Really Hiding in Your Dirty Carpet?
You’d be surprised what lurks in your carpeting, from things like dirt and dust which accumulate naturally, to bugs brought inside on your shoes or clothing or by guests who happen to stop by. What else?
Dirt and Soil
It’s not unusual for the average U.S. home to accumulate dozens of pounds of dust inside per year. Dirt and soil are effortlessly tracked in from the outside and settle into your carpet. Vacuum often to remove up to 85 percent of dirt and soil from your carpeting and rugs.
Dander, Pet Hair, and Dead Skin
It sounds gross, but most people shed about 1.5 million skin flakes each day – creating a tasty and plentiful food buffet for microscopic insects like fleas, mites, or ticks.
Bugs
Just because you don’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there. Besides regular bugs, your carpet may be home to many species of bed bugs, dust mites, and fleas. Many of these exacerbate allergies and other health problems.
How do you keep bugs out of your home? It’s easier than you think. Try any or all of these strategies to keep annoying critters out of your house.
Close-Up Cracks and Openings
Inspect your doors, screens, and windows. If you observe any holes or cracks, caulk or repair them. Weatherstripping around doors not only promotes energy efficiency but also turns away pesky bugs looking for a new home.
Keep the Kitchen Clean
Your kitchen and other food preparation or storage areas are ground zero for bugs and other nasties. But not all bugs have the same palate. Ants prefer the sweet stuff. Indian meal moths feast on cereal, rice, flour, and nuts. Flour beetles gorge themselves on cake mixes, dried fruits, flour, nuts, spices, and chocolate. Keep food, condiments, and other supplies stored in well-sealed containers or packaging. Keep floors, countertops, and other surfaces clean at all times, and surreptitiously place bug traps on floors near doors and cabinetry.
Mitigate Dampness
Bugs not only treat your home as their food pantry, but as an endless source of clean water. Repair any leaky faucets, pipes, or drains. The same goes for your HVAC system and appliances which require water for usage or generate moisture after use. Place a humidifier in areas that are always damp, such as the basement. Also check the attic to ensure it’s dry.
Clean and Sweep Often
Hard surface flooring should be swept and mopped often, which is a good way to keep bugs from the kitchen or anywhere else food crumbs accumulate. Empty the trash regularly, and vacuum each week.
Keep the Debris Outside
Stacks of firewood, compost bins, and yard waste containers are a “welcome home” sign for bugs and should be kept away from the home. Before you transport firewood inside, inspect it for bugs or signs of infestation.
Kill Bugs as Soon as You See Them
There are probably more bugs in the world than stars visible in the sky. If you see any of them in or around your home, kill them as soon as possible before they become a bigger problem.
Create a Bug-Free Barrier Around Your Home
Any number of sprays and traps are available at local retailers, and can be placed strategically around the perimeter of your home – close to walls, porches, windows, etc. – to keep bugs away.
Mildew, Mold and Other Bacteria
They’re nefarious for their ability to hide and reproduce. Pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, and staphylococcus can lurk in carpets and cause health problems. Mildew or mold can also flourish in a warm, wet setting. Keep your carpet dry to prevent the growth of mold or mildew.
Odors
Things like tobacco smoke, pet urine or feces, and spilled drink or food can settle into carpeting, creating nasty odors if not cleaned properly and quickly.
Food and Drinks
Remember that spilled drink or food may not only stain your carpeting, but also serve as a plentiful food source for organisms and bacteria. Anything dropped or spilled on carpeting should be cleaned up fast to prevent permanent odors or stains from forming.
Nearly anything that ends up in your carpeting could result in possible health risks for you and your family. The contaminants which fester in your carpet may cause allergies, colds, sneezing, or breathing trouble. Potentially toxic substances like tobacco smoke could have even worse consequences, while the waste created by dust mites can result in allergic reactions.
Four Easy Ways to Keep Your Carpet Clean
- If you remove your shoes before going into someone else's house as a sign of respect, why not take them off before walking around your own house? This will reduce the amount of bacteria and dirt that get tracked inside and ground into the carpet.
- Use Area Rugs in High-Traffic Areas
- Areas with installed carpeting should be vacuumed a few times a week. This will not only reduce the number of bugs and bacteria, but also keep your carpet pile vibrant, clean, and long-lasting. But again, serious spills need to be cleaned up as clean as possible.
- Finally, go online and search for “carpet cleaning near me.” You’d be surprised at the search results, but always go with an experienced and reputable carpet cleaning service.
At Steve’s Carpet Care & Restoration, we’ve been serving customers in Westminster, Boulder, and other Denver-area communities for more than 40 years. Call us today at 303-530-4900 for more information.