Carpets add texture and color to a room but can also trap allergens and worsen asthma. It’s recommended to have your carpeting cleaned yearly. Frequent vacuuming is essential, but Carpet Cleaning El Dorado Hills CA helps eliminate stains and high-traffic areas that can degrade fibers. There are many methods to choose from, including Dry cleaning and steam cleaning.
Carpet is often seen as a trap for allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. However, it has been shown that carpet functions as a healthy filter, keeping airborne allergies to a minimum if properly maintained. The key is to vacuum regularly and have it professionally cleaned regularly.
Allergens are antigens (usually proteins) that trigger allergic reactions in people with hypersensitive immune systems. These reactions may include sneezing, itchy eyes or skin and in severe cases can even lead to life-threatening respiratory symptoms like difficulty breathing. Allergens are all around us and can come from many different sources, including pollen, dirt and dust. These particles and spores can become embedded in carpet fibers where they remain, even after several cleaning or vacuuming cycles.
These allergens can be released into the air by disturbance of the carpet or by walking on it, or they can get trapped in the tangled fibers and then become airborne. The most common allergens are:
Each person sheds over a million skin cells every hour, food crumbs can leave behind bacteria such as E. coli and staphylococcus, dander from pets (fur, feathers, urine and feces), pet hair and saliva as well as microscopic mold spores and bacteria such as yeast and mildew. All of these substances can be found in carpet and can trigger allergy or asthma symptoms if they are inhaled.
Keeping up with carpet cleaning will greatly reduce the amount of allergens in your home. You can also improve indoor air quality by removing shoes when entering the house, using a doormat and by choosing carpets with low VOC (volatile organic compound) and phthalate (used in plastics) content.
Carpet Cleaning El Dorado Hills CA will remove the most common allergens from your home. They use special tools to remove deep down, hidden allergens from the carpet fibers and will sanitize the carpet as well. This will help to keep allergens at bay and give you a fresh, clean home. Allergens can build up again quickly, so it is important to have your carpets cleaned on a regular basis.
Dirt
Carpeting adds comfort and warmth to rooms, but it can also trap dirt, allergens, germs and bacteria. The average household vacuum can only remove surface dirt and debris; it’s not able to reach the deep dirt and grime trapped within carpet fibers. When you step on dirty carpet, you are releasing all that crud back into the air—and anyone with environmental allergies like asthma or eczema is at risk.
In addition to regular vacuuming, you can help prevent the buildup of dirt by placing doormats outside and inside all doors and removing shoes before entering the house. You can also use machine-washable area rugs and rotate them frequently to reduce the amount of dirt that gets ground into the carpet.
Dirty carpets are a germ hotspot and can harbor many organisms that can cause illness, from the common cold to Norovirus, which causes symptoms similar to food poisoning or the stomach flu. They can also hold a lot of dust and pet hair and absorb spills, which often lead to staining.
The best way to keep your carpets looking their best is to have them professionally cleaned every 12-18 months. A professional cleaning uses detergents and steam that can get rid of dirt, germs, allergens, and other organisms that cling to the carpet fibers.
Many DIY options exist for cleaning the carpet without the expense of renting a commercial machine, but they don’t come close to what a professional can do. For example, you can try making a solution of one part baking soda to two parts hydrogen peroxide and applying it with an old towel. Then, blot the area to remove the dirt and rinse with water.
If you want a deep clean, a professional uses a preconditioning cleaning agent that breaks up the dirt and grime while encapsulating it in microscopic sodium crystals. Then, a hot-water extraction system thoroughly rinses the fibers to remove both the dirt and the encapsulator. They also use a post-cleaning product to lower the pH level of the fibers, which prevents them from becoming damaged by acidic residues.
Stains
Stains are one of the most common reasons people seek out cleaning services. Everyone has heard a number of stain-removal “tricks” over the years, but the truth is that the key to removing stains from carpet comes down to simple science. There are specific chemicals and compounds that can make or break a successful stain removal strategy. To identify the type of stain, it’s important to use a combination of visual inspection, touch and smell. This information can help you narrow down the possibilities to find a cleaning solution that’s right for your needs.
Water-soluble stains are the most common, and typically easy to remove from carpet fibers. These include tracked-in mud, food and beverages, and water-based markers and pens. To remove these types of stains, first mop the area to remove any liquid that is still soaking in. Then, soak the stained area with a cold water-based cleaning product and blot it dry with paper towels. For more stubborn stains, try using an oxidizing product such as hydrogen peroxide, club soda or vinegar.
Other types of stains may be difficult to remove without professional intervention. For solids such as wax or gum, freeze the affected area and then scrape off the remaining residue. Blot any remaining liquid with a paper towel or microfiber cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. For semi-solids like grease, spray a light coat of cooking oil onto the stain and blot until dry.
Oil-based stains require special attention as they can be more challenging to clean from synthetic or olefin carpet fibers. These stains can penetrate the fiber, leaving sticky residue and causing future resoiling. To remove these stains, start by applying a solvent or a volatile dry cleaning agent to the affected area and blotting. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended dwell time and to use proper ventilation when working with these substances.
Stubborn protein stains, such as blood, feces or vomit, can be removed with protein digesters or enzyme treatments. These products work best when they are applied before the stain has a chance to set, so apply them as soon as possible after the incident.
Health
It’s no secret that a clean environment is better for everyone. Dirty carpet, however, can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other nasties that can trigger health issues. For example, dirty carpets can trap dirt and dust that can be inhaled or cause other problems like allergies. This is especially true if you have children or elderly people living in your home.
A regular cleaning can help to eliminate some of the harmful substances that are trapped in your carpet. These include pet waste, dust mites, and dead skin cells. All of these can irritate lungs and cause breathing problems. Dirty carpets can also be a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and other fungi. This can lead to serious health problems for people who live in your home, especially those with compromised immune systems.
Even if you vacuum on a regular basis and use deodorizers, it’s important to get your carpets cleaned professionally. Professional green steaming cleaning uses safe and effective chemicals to remove unwanted odors from your carpet. This includes the removal of mycotoxins, which are compounds released by certain kinds of mold-forming fungi that can be very unhealthy for children and other sensitive individuals.
Regular cleaning can also reduce the amount of airborne pollutants in your home. These can include pet dander, household dust, food particles, and pollen. These can irritate the respiratory system and can cause other problems, including headaches.
The best way to ensure that you are getting your carpets cleaned correctly is to choose a qualified and experienced company. Look for one that offers free estimates and has a solid reputation. It is also important to read the fine print when it comes to pricing. Some companies charge by the room or by the area, while others charge by the square foot. Some charge for “add-ons,” such as soil retardants and deodorants, that aren’t always necessary or beneficial.
Also, be wary of companies that have you sign a contract before they start their work. This may lead to hidden fees and charges that you weren’t expecting.