A Healthy Alternative-
Wall-to-Wall Carpet 

Although carpet really is a healthy alternative to other flooring types for your home, this option has received a lot of undeserved criticism in recent years. As a result of this, more and more consumers have switched to hardwood, linoleum, and tile flooring purchases, especially on the first floor and main living areas of their homes.

Where Does the Criticism
Come From?

There seem to be several health-related misconceptions about wall-to-wall carpet, most centering around carpet manufacture and maintenance, which could easily lead to the conclusion that wall-to-wall carpet is not a healthy alternative for your home (or business).

Misconception #1
Wall-to-wall carpet is not a healthy alternative for those with allergies and asthma.

The Truth:

Carpet actually protects your indoor air quality by trapping airborne pollutants and even dust mites and bedbugs that may call your carpet their home.

The important point to be understood here is all these pollutants will be trapped until the carpet is saturated. If wall-to-wall carpet is not vacuumed regularly and cleaned professionally at least every 12 to 18 months, those trapped pollutants will be released into the air once the carpet is saturated.

Allergens that are allowed to accumulate on hard surface flooring such as hardwood floors are constantly released into the indoor air stream when walked on. Vacuuming carpet high-traffic areas, (preferably with a hepa filter) 3 to 4 times a week (depending on traffic) will keep it clean longer and prevent it from getting saturated.

Vacuuming removes dry, gritty soils while professional hot water extraction cleaning on a regular basis will remove most of the rest of the soiling and allergens before the carpet becomes saturated.

MISCONCEPTION #2
Carpet is very hard to maintain because it wears out quickly and stains easily.

The Truth:

As noted above, regular vacuuming, especially in high traffic areas, and regularly scheduled carpet cleaning using the hot water extraction method actually increase the life of your wall-to-wall carpet and will keep it looking new.

As far as spots and stains are concerned, the important point is they should be removed as quickly as possible since they serve to attract more soiling. Remember never to scrub, rub, or pour chemicals directly onto your carpet.

At ABC, we have a Spotting Guide you can download that will help with the removal of most common spots before they become permanent stains. We also carry a professional spot cleaner liquid you can purchase.

MISCONCEPTION #3
Carpet is just plain boring and outdated.

The Truth:

This simply isn't true. A quick online search or a trip to your local carpet store will reveal a myriad of patterns and styles for every taste and décor.

Those who have already removed the carpets from their home, may find a need for area rugs to help reduce noise and bring warmth and ambiance to their homes. Many articles on this website have ideas for decorating with area rugs. PLEASE NOTE: Area rugs cannot be cleaned successfully on location for many reasons. Please see here for more information.

MISCONCEPTION #4
Wall to wall carpet is not a healthy alternative and is bad for the environment since it emits harmful chemicals into the air.

The Truth:

In actuality, when comparing carpet to other household furnishings and building materials, it is one of the lowest emitters of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). After new installation of a carpet, it is prudent to allow some time for any possible emissions to dissipate through open windows.

Today, many carpet manufacturers provide eco-friendly options of their products for the environment. Just let your retail store know your preferences.

The Conclusion:
Is Wall-to-Wall Carpet a Healthy Alternative?

Yes, wall-to-wall carpet is actually a healthy home alternative to other types of flooring.

It is important to understand, however, that regular vacuuming and professional carpet cleaning are necessary to not only keep your carpets clean but to improve the indoor air quality of your home. (Regular cleaning also maintains the carpet's warranty).

Clean carpets send a message that a home is well-maintained and provide a professional appearance for consumers and workers in the business environment.

A win-win situation for all!

---

Top of A Healthy Alternative

Back to Articles

Back to Homepage

---