Did you know, the carpet that serves as your child’s indoor playground and softly slips between your toes as you walk barefoot through your home is a breeding ground for bacteria and other particles?
“About 200,000 bacteria live in each square inch of carpet (nearly 700 times more than on your toilet seat), including E. coli, staphylococcus, and salmonella,” according to an article in Reader’s Digest titled, “9 Everyday Items Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat.”
Carpets not only harbor bacteria, but also mildew and mold, and act as magnets to dust and dirt. In a survey conducted by BISSELL Homecare, Inc., it was reported that 57 percent of people keep their shoes on indoors, at least sometimes. And four out of five pet owners do not wash their pet’s feet before bringing them inside.
BISSELL’s survey also found that one in five Americans say they would still eat food dropped onto their carpet if it has been there for less than 30 seconds. That’s 25 seconds longer than the traditional “five-second rule,” and even that rule is hotly debated by scientists who argue bacteria is transferred to fallen foods as soon as the foods touch the floor.
“For the 90 percent of Americans with carpets and rugs in our homes, most of us regularly vacuum and think we’re getting them clean,” said Erin Reed, brand manager at BISSELL Homecare, Inc. “…In fact, 36 percent of Americans give their carpets or rugs a deep cleaning less often than once a year, if ever.”
Why Professional Carpet Cleaning Is a Must
As we track in more and more bacteria and allergen-worsening particles, we vacuum to rid our carpets of these home invaders. Unfortunately, vacuums are unable to reach the depth needed to thoroughly clean. And once we begin walking on the newly vacuumed floors, the dirt and particles stir back up again.
Even DIY carpet cleaners fail to rid carpets of inhabitants. These hand-held carpet cleaners work wonderfully for quick stain removals and messes, but should not be your sole carpet cleaning investment. They often fail to reach the bottom of the carpeting or successfully remove odor, and can worsen problems with mildew and mold if not dried properly.
Professional carpet cleaning removes the bacteria, ground-in dirt, stains and odors that have been long-term dwellers in your carpet’s fibers. High-powered equipment, paired with appropriate cleaning agents and carpet cleaning professionals, ensures the deepest clean possible and eliminates the potential for mold and mildew growth.
The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends the professional, deep-cleaning of carpets every 12 to 18 months, so consider adding the hiring of a carpet cleaning service to your annual Spring cleaning checklist.
If you haven’t had your carpets professionally cleaned in awhile, taking off your shoes and socks and sinking your toes into your plush carpet may not seem too appealing anymore.
Contact Lund’s Carpet Cleaning to find out more about residential carpet cleaning services.
(Photo ©gpointstudio/123RF Stock)