Carpets are depositories for dirt and breeding grounds for bacteria, germs, and mold.
A carpet can hold four times its weight in dirt and harbors more bacteria than your toilet. It is a sponge for all kinds of dirt. There is the dirt that is tracked in from the outside on your shoes, the dirt from pets who shed and drool, the dirt from your shedding skin and hair, the dirt from spilled liquids, foods, and other substances, the dirt from indoor pollution which is much much more concentrated than outdoor pollution (and why opening windows periodically for extensive air circulation is also a must), the dirt from pollen and plants…for a start.
Then there is the mold. If you live in a humid climate or your home is carpeted in high moisture-containing rooms like the kitchen or bathroom, your carpet is even more susceptible to mold which thrives on the platform that carpet fibers provide.
And the bacteria. Salmonella, Staph, E.Coli, Campylobacter, Norovirus, Micrococcus, Enteroccoci, and MRSA, all strains that can lead to fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and, especially for immune-compromised people, even death.
On the Captain Obvious side, vacuuming once a week is a must, as well as treating spills and stains immediately so that the substance doesn’t get embedded into the fibers of the carpet. However, vacuum cleaners don’t have the power to remove deep-seated contaminants like bugs, bacteria, and mold spores. This is why it’s imperative to hire a carpet cleaner at minimum twice a year for a deep clean to keep your household safe from contaminants and extend the life of your flooring.
For proper vacuuming results, work slowly and cover the same ground repeatedly, also making sure to move furniture, decorative items, and bags to cover the entire square footage of carpeted space. A rubber roller can work to really rid the ground of pet hair if the vacuum is not doing its job well enough and baking soda sprinkled over soiled areas can work to absorb stains if let to sit long enough.
For liquid stains, blotting is best. Spray a tiny amount of a water-distilled white vinegar mixture on an unseen area of the carpet to make sure it doesn’t bleed the color or ruin the texture. Then blot away the liquid and use a small amount of the spray to lift whatever portion of the staining liquid that has been absorbed. If the mixture doesn’t work, find a stain removal product for the type of material you are dealing with. For solid substances, remove with a hard surface first (don’t smear or rub the stain) and then use the cleaner to blot away any remaining marks.
Don’t mix stain removal products since mixing chemicals can create toxicity and can possibly damage your carpet.
If you have an office or event space that needs regular and periodic deep cleaning and floor detailing, PopUP CleanUP offers those services and more. We help keep your spaces beautiful and safe.
