Carpets are one of the most popular and common types of flooring in the UK. They are said to bring comfort to a room, provide warmth and insulation, and even add a feeling of luxury.

But what if you learned that your carpet could be harmful? What if you were to discover that, lurking within this common household feature, are a range of potential dangers to you and your home? There’s no need to worry though, in this article we’ll show you the solutions!

So, if you’re concerned about the hidden damage which can be caused by your carpet, read on to get informed and learn what actions to take.

DANGER #1: ACCIDENTS

The NHS reports that more than 1 in 3 adults in the UK over the age of 65 will have at least one fall a year. Around half of these adults will have even more frequent falls, but preventative action can be taken.

Dirty or cluttered carpets are a primary hazard here; stains and spillages are not only unsightly, they can become extremely slippery too. In thicker carpets they may remain for days or longer.

Clutter on carpets is an obvious problem, and tidy walkways are less likely to result in falls. Keeping your carpets as clean and well-maintained as possible is one of the best ways to help prevent against accidents and falls in the home.

You have the option of whether you wish to stay on top of this job by taking care of it regularly, or whether you wish to approach it longer term — like, for example, with a ‘deep clean’ and declutter on a monthly basis.

Many people choose to hire a cleaning professional for extra help and to save time. This can be an investment in your health and safety, as well as helping your home to look immaculate.

DANGER #2: SICKNESS

The home should be a place of safety and security. With our lives becoming busier than ever in recent times, it is increasingly important that we can retreat to our homes for sanctuary.

But if not properly cared for, the home itself can be a cause of sickness. Did you know that some of the most harmful bacteria and viruses which we encounter come from within the home?

They can be brought into the home on the soles of our shoes, or via skin surfaces such as our palms or the tips of our fingers.

The problem is not confined to spreading bacteria by objects and surfaces either. It can be exacerbated if the germs are absorbed by materials, where they can grow and multiply within them.

Carpets are a key concern here. They are often thick and highly absorbent. They can harbour germs and bacteria even if they appear to be clean on the surface, due to fibres, glue, and fabric woven deep within the material.

Coupled with central heating or a warm home in general, this can be an ideal breeding ground for germs.

An independent home health study conducted in America concluded that carpets in the home can regularly include such unwelcome guests as the norovirus, fungi like aspergillus and alternaria, and even the dangerous and antibiotic-resistant MRSA.

It is vital to take action and ensure that we keep our carpets as clean as possible, but also that we aim to disinfect before walking on them.

Many people insist on the removal of shoes before walking on carpets in the home, for example. This is generally in an attempt to reduce the amount of dirty marks trodden into the fabric, but it has an anti-bacterial benefit too!

DANGER #3: POOR AIR QUALITY

We spend a large portion of our time in our homes, and the quality of air we breathe there should be a primary concern.

Many people invest in air conditioners, humidifiers, diffusers, and air fresheners in an effort to improve the air quality — and overall scent — of their homes. But we are fighting a losing battle if our carpets are still dirty.

Dirty carpets can not only look and smell unpleasant, they can actively harm the quality of the air we breathe at home. Tiny pests such as fleas, dust mites, or bed bugs can be nesting in thicker fabrics around the home, such as mattresses and bed linen — and especially carpets.

Pests are especially likely in the home if we have pets or cannot find the time to regularly perform a ‘deep clean’ of the property. Pet hair itself from shedding animals can also become lodged in fabric and aggravate the respiratory tract.

This is especially important for those of us who suffer from allergies — especially respiratory or skin related allergies.

British charity, Allergy UK, recently reported that millions of people are effectively ‘allergic to their own homes’ due to the build-up of dust, dust mites, and dirt in carpets. Their recommended solution was adequate ventilation and — you guessed it! — regular cleaning.

THE SOLUTION

Don’t panic! There are ways to minimise — and even eliminate — the dangers associated with dirty carpets. Essentially, however, all of these actions consist of hygiene and cleaning.

We can ensure that we disinfect at the door with hand sanitiser, remove our shoes, and tidy up as we go to minimise clutter. We can also opt for regular professional cleaning or deep cleaning, such as with a specialist carpet cleaning service.

Cleaning professionals have the tools, time, and expertise to achieve the very best results and minimise harmful germs. This is why many people consider professional cleaning an excellent investment in their home, and in their health.