Walking into a workplace and being presented with an unclean, worn-out carpet covered with stains is unsettling. This is not only unsightly, but it may also jeopardize the health and well-being of those who visit.
So, let’s look at what can lurk in your office carpets.
Dirt and debris
People visit and depart the facility daily, carrying dirt, gravel, and other debris with them. This will get caught in the carpet’s tiny threads and accumulate over time. This generates discolored stains in high-traffic areas and wears the carpet down faster. Dirt is very abrasive and quickly wears down carpet fibers, especially when people walk on top of it all day.
Bacteria and viruses
Many bacteria may live in unclean carpets; most are innocuous, but a few might cause major problems. For example, Norovirus (which causes stomach sickness) may live on a dirty carpet for up to a month!
Pollen
Pollen from flowers and plants is often seen in carpets, particularly in the summer and fall. When most people arrive at work, people will take a lot of pollen with them when they come in and out of work, mainly because pollen counts are greatest between 5 am and 10 am. It will also enter via doors and windows and settle into the carpet.
Pollen from flowers and plants is often seen in carpets, particularly in the summer and fall. When most people arrive at work, people will take a lot of pollen with them when they come in and out of work, mainly because pollen counts are greatest between 5 am and 10 am. It will also enter via doors and windows and settle into the carpet.
Mould and spores
Mold might grow on your carpet! All mould needs is a location to dwell, some oxygen, humidity, and food. These objects may all be found in unclean carpets. If you notice mildew or musty scents coming from your carpet, you may have a mould problem. If you’ve seen a strange mildew odor and haven’t been able to pinpoint the source, it may be time for a carpet cleaning!
Dust mites
Dust mites live in your home and office, but you can’t see them without a microscope. They feed on the millions of dead-skill cells that people lose every day. The mite itself is innocuous, but its excrement is an irritant to people and may cause allergies and other issues.
Food and drink spills
Food and drink are often dumped around staff kitchens or by workers having lunch at their workstations. Because only some people in the workplace are fantastic at cleaning up after themselves, you’re certain to see a coffee stain or some leftover food on the carpet.
All of these items might be producing health issues in your job. These may include:
All of these objects might be causing a slew of health difficulties at your workplace. These might vary from moderately irritating to very dangerous.
Skin problems
The many allergens present in unclean carpets may cause skin irritation. Itching, swelling, or red patches are possible side effects.
Allergies
Other than skin reactions, these allergens may cause allergy flare-ups. They may induce hay fever, sinus problems, watery eyes, sneezing, and general sluggishness.
Respiratory illness
Asthma is one of the most significant health consequences of filthy carpets. Carpet allergens and germs become airborne and are inhaled. This may trigger asthma episodes or flu-like symptoms and initiate or intensify coughing.
Weakened immune system
Mycotoxins are tiny poisons produced by fungi. Chronic exposure to mycotoxins decreases your overall immune system if you have a fungus problem in your carpet.
Who knew a dirty carpet could be so dangerous?! Here are some strategies for keeping your carpet healthy and minimizing your risk of health complications:
Replace the old, worn-out carpet.
It is simple to tell when the carpet needs to be replaced. It will be discolored, threadbare, sometimes stinky, and overall sad. Carpet has a long lifespan and may have accumulated dirt and dust for decades! When the time comes to replace it, choose a natural fiber carpet, such as cotton or hemp. While synthetic carpets are more opulent, they absorb and retain more allergens.
Use a HEPA filter vacuum.
HEPA filters are the best alternative for keeping allergens, dust, and filth out of your carpet. They are designed to take up even the smallest particles that ordinary vacuums may miss, resulting in fewer allergens trapped in carpets or circulating in the air.
Hire a professional
Carpets that are unclean and unhygienic may be harmful to your workers’ health. Joliet Commercial Cleaners offers carpet cleaning services to assist you in improving the appearance and feel of your workplace. Our commercial carpet cleaning may be done as a one-time service or as part of an ongoing contract to maintain your carpets in excellent condition for the long term. Please contact us immediately away to learn more.