How Do Allergens Get Into Carpet?

The answer to the question “how do allergens get into carpet” is simple: the carpet is a giant air filter. Allergens will be caught by some kinds of carpeting more efficiently than others. It is important to follow this to its logical conclusion: if the allergens are being trapped in your carpet, then they are not floating around in the air where they can have an effect on you.

Allergens get into carpet through the movement of the air in and around carpet fibers. Allergens are also tracked into homes on the shoes of people coming in. Dust mites can never be completely eliminated from the home and will get worse if regular cleaning is not being done. The human body, as it grows, sloughs off millions of dead skin cells which can get into the air as well. Any pets will also be releasing dander into the air.

What Are Some Common Allergens in Carpet?

Some of the most common allergens that are the following:

• Dust mites
• Dead skin – Without regular cleaning, human skin will build up in the carpet, on furniture, and in the air. The amount increases based on
• Pollen
• Animal hair
• Pet Dander – These proteins are secreted by the glands of pets and then are released into the air as dander.

Again: remember that allergens being trapped in your carpet is, primarily, a good thing. It helps keep your air clean and breathable. Regular carpet maintenance and cleaning will ensure that the allergens are regularly removed from the carpet so that they do not get disturbed and redistributed through the air. Contrary to popular belief, your air quality will be higher overall with carpet than without carpet. Using hardwood or linoleum floors is often suggested to help with allergies, but that removes the possibility of filtration and, thus, indoor air quality lowers and allergies get worse.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has some recommendations for helping to minimize allergen risk in carpet:

• Use low pile rather than high pile carpet – Low pile carpet, obviously, sits lower on the ground. It filters less particulates and allergens from the air, but it is also less likely to release them upon being disturbed.
• Vacuum regularly – Vacuuming should be done at least three times a week.
• Professional cleaning – Regular professional cleaning is recommended in order to remove particulate matter and allergens that have worked their way deep into the carpet fibers.
• Use air filters – Though carpeting helps to filter the air, the job that it does can be multiplied through the use of the household air filtration system and standalone air filtration units (both of which should also be regularly cleaned).

A carpet, just like an article of clothing, needs to be regularly used, washed, and maintained in order to stay clean. Regular professional cleanings for residential homes is generally recommended every 6 months to 1 year. Cleaning of high traffic areas is generally recommended every 3 months to 6 months, depending on use. Consult a professional cleaning company for information regarding your specific situation, as the time frames will vary depending on both use and type of carpet fiber.

References:

Allergens & Irritants. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Web Access: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/asthma/allergens/