Why Carpet Cause Many Allergies

Why Does Carpet Cause So Many Allergies?

Carpets are one of the leading causes of allergies in your home. Since they can be quite fibrous, they are prone to trapping potential allergens that can potentially affect your health if left untreated.

However, there are ways to help prevent your carpet from causing allergies. If you want to learn more about why carpets cause allergies, how they cause allergies, and how you can prevent this, then please continue on reading below.

Carpet Allergens: From Mites to Mould

Carpet fibres easily catch allergens and prevent them from circulating in the air. Common allergens that carpet fibres can trap include dust mites and pet dander, but they can also trap irritants like dust, mould, pollen, and dirt from outdoor buildup.

Dust mites are the most common allergen found in carpets. They are microscopic arthropods that are capable of causing allergies all year-round. 

Technically, it is the waste of the dust mites that are the actual allergen. They can produce quite an abundance of it – around 200 times their body weight in just one day. Yuck! They are typically found hiding in carpeting, bedding, and furniture. This is because they prefer warm and humid environments.

Pet particles are also large contributors to carpet allergies. The saliva, urine, and skin of pets can contain potential allergens. Similarly, their shedded hair and fur can easily trap dust, fleas, and pollen within the fibres of the carpet. 

Pet dander, or dead skin, can easily collect on carpet surfaces. This is also a leading cause of carpet allergens. 

Mould is a common cause of indoor allergies and is formed in environments with high humidity or uncleaned spills. Shampooing or dampening your carpet can promote mould growth if the carpet is not properly dried. If the mould is disturbed, its spores can spread through the air.

More importantly, anything that is an allergen outside can be an allergen inside as well. Going out and coming back inside means that you can also bring potential allergens with you. These allergens can easily be trapped in carpet fibres and increase the chance of catching allergies inside the house.

Interestingly, carpet fibre, padding, and even the glue that hold them together trigger allergic reactions in some people. Synthetic fibres such as wool, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and more have been discovered to cause allergic reactions in some people.

Why Carpet Cause Many Allergies

Symptoms From Carpet Allergens

Allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, pollen, dust, mold, and more can be easily trapped in carpets. This can trigger reactions that exhibit symptoms such as: 

  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Itchy or running nose
  • Itchy or red skin
  • Sneezing
  • Scratchy or irritated throat 
  • Hives
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Breathing troubles
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pressure in the chest

Allergy-Proofing Carpets

There are various actions you can take to help make your carpet allergy-proof. Particularly for dust mites, it is recommended to perform steam cleaning on your carpets. By using high-temperature water, steam cleaning will be able to kill dust mites because they cannot survive in high temperatures. 

Dry vacuuming is usually performed after steam cleaning to pick up any leftover dust mite droppings or bodies. However, dry vacuuming alone is not effective at removing or eliminating dust mites. 

Steam cleaning is recommended to be conducted several times a year. In fact, it is recommended to be performed monthly. Make sure there is enough air ventilation for the carpet to dry completely. 

If you have a pet at home, it is also recommended that you regularly maintain and groom them. Vacuuming the carpet regularly with an efficient vacuum will also provide significant help.

Reducing the humidity in your home in any way will help prevent dust mites and mould from thriving. Generally, plants and fish tanks are large contributors to humidity, so try to avoid having both in a room that has carpet.

Other tips include washing throw rugs in hot water, keeping windows closed during allergy season, installing an air-filtration system, and using the same deep-cleaning techniques for your other upholstery and drapery. 

Why Carpet Cause Many Allergies

Summary

The leading causes of carpet allergies include dust mites, pet dander, and mould. However, all of these allergens can be prevented with regular maintenance and care. Consulting with a professional carpet cleaning service will not only keep your carpet clean and fresh, but help provide a healthier environment for your home.

If you’re looking to have your carpets professionally cleaned by a trustworthy and reliable carpet steam cleaning service in Melbourne, then look no further than Monster Clean.

Please call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for all your cleaning needs, on 0478 250 900 or leave an enquiry.

Leave A Comment