So much of life these days happens indoors, as most of us are spending an increasing amount of time at home or in the office. We want to make sure that the air we’re breathing is safe and clean, and one of the best ways to do that is to maintain our area rugs.
Area rugs have countless benefits. They’re colorful, soft, and comfortable, making them essential pieces of furniture in any room. They’re also effective at reducing noise, resulting in more peaceful living and working spaces.
However, it’s essential to consider the health risks associated with area rugs as they can be breeding grounds for mold and dust particles. Regular vacuuming and cleaning can help reduce the number of these harmful particles, keeping your indoor air clean.
The Benefits Of Clean Indoor Air
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within, and immediately around a building or home. Humans routinely breathe in the air indoors and rapidly absorb contaminants that tend to worsen the air quality. Such pollutants include dust, dirt, mold, and other substances that can be harmful to your health.
Unhealthy levels of IAQ can cause physical, psychological, and neurological effects like nausea, headache, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. To protect yourself from these dangers, it’s important to improve the air quality of your home or office by controlling higher levels of indoor air pollutants.
Maintaining Clean Area Rugs
Area rugs are often the most neglected items in your home, which can lead to a build-up of pollutants. Here are a few tips to remember to keep your area rugs clean, and your indoor air quality healthy and balanced:
Pick the Right Rug
Before purchasing one, it is important to consider the type of material you want your area rug to be. Unlike wall-to-wall carpets, rugs constructed of natural materials such as jute, wool, and cotton are generally better for indoor air quality. Synthetic materials such as nylon, acrylic, and polyester, while they may be stain-resistant, do not allow the dust, dirt, and allergens that settle into the fibers to properly air out and can make air pollution even worse.
Vacuum Regularly
Regular vacuuming is essential for removing surface dirt, dust, and allergens that have settled into the fibers of your rug. It’s best to vacuum at least twice a week for maximum effectiveness. It’s especially important to vacuum any areas where people walk frequently and around furniture that may be sitting on the rug. If you have pets, be sure to vacuum extra frequently to remove pet dander, as these particles can become airborne and create an unpleasant environment
Steam Cleaning
This should be done every eighteen months or so. Steam cleaning the rug will help remove the tougher stains, dirt, and mold that have seeped into the rug and is hard to be removed using a vacuum alone. It generally consists of using a powerful steam cleaner that injects hot water and cleaning agents onto the rug and then vacuums up the residue.
Practice Spot Cleaning
Be sure to practice spot cleaning, or cleaning up spills, stains, and other dirt on your rug as soon as they happen. Spot cleaning will not only help keep your rug looking its best, but it will also help you avoid the growth of mold and other allergens. Use a damp cloth, warm water, and gentle detergent solution to clean the area and then allow it to dry completely.
Keep an Eye Out for Mold
Leaving a rug in a wet area for too long can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Keep an eye out for any indications of mold, such as a musty smell or discoloration on the rug, and take action to clean and remove the mold as soon as possible.
Have Your Area Rug Cleaned Professionally
No matter how often you vacuum, your area rug is likely to accumulate more dirt, dust, and allergens than meets the eye. To keep indoor air clean, it is best to have your area rug professionally cleaned every 12-18 months. A professional cleaning will thoroughly remove deep-seated dirt and restore the original beauty of your area rug.
Conclusion
Area rugs can be a great addition to any home, but they require a bit of extra care in order to keep indoor air clean. Thankfully, keeping your area rug clean and maintaining clean indoor air doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few simple steps, such as picking the right rug material, vacuuming regularly, and having your rug professionally cleaned every 12-18 months, you can enjoy the coziness of your area rug while also finding peace of mind in knowing that your indoor air quality is top-notch.
If you’re looking for a reliable and trusted area rug cleaning service in Capitola, CA, and the surrounding areas, look no further than Capitola Carpet Cleaning. Our team is comprised of a group of experts, highly specialized to deal with all kinds of requirements. Speak to our team today at (831) 664-0388 and we will take care of all your area rug cleaning needs.