January 2006

Q: Lately I’ve been hearing a lot of information about “cleaning for health”. Is this just a marketing tool by carpet cleaners? If it’s not, what is a reasonable routine of carpet and upholstery cleaning?

A: Carpets have been likened to an extension of your furnace filter. In a home with forced air, hot air is pushed from the register to the ceiling. Dust and contaminants then fall to the floor and are held there by carpet fibres. This is a very important benefit of having carpets. It keeps those things from circulating back into your breathing zone. But, like a furnace filter, it must be maintained and cleaned regularly, or it could become a factor for indoor air pollution.

Now, some carpet cleaners do use “cleaning for health” purely for marketing purposes. Please be aware, there are also very reputable cleaners that do practice the philosophy of “cleaning for health”. How can you tell the difference? A carpet cleaner that is concerned about making your carpets as clean as possible will offer the following:

-uses a method that leaves few residuals behind such as soap, dust mites, etc.
-uses a cleaning agent with a low vapour content & is not potentially harmful
-carpets dry within a few hours - carpets wet for more 24 hrs can contribute to air quality problems

-has industry recognized training for safe & effective techniques
Your newly cleaned carpets will have a “soft hand”. Plush carpets will feel fluffy - just like a fabric softener commercial. Carpets that are stiff usually have a large amount of soap present. This will eventually become airborne and respirable. Most home owners, as well as some “professional” servicesdo not have the training or tools to perform this level of carpet care. Carpet cleaning is very much a buyer beware situation. Be sure to qualify who you trust with your home’s health.

The American EPA has a lot of information on the world wide web concerning carpet cleaning, particularly under the Indoor Air Quality Division. There are specific references to cleaning frequencies, how to qualify cleaners, and the benefits of regular carpet care.

Ordinarily, carpet industry experts (not cleaners) will suggest residential cleaning frequencies from six to twenty four months depending on pets, children, etc. New carpet warranties require “professional cleaning by a trained & qualified” cleaner within 18 months of installation. This is needed to validate your wear and texture warranty. An interesting benefit of “cleaning for health” is that appearance issues are automatically addressed. Soil damages carpets and upholstery. If you have regularly scheduled cleaning of these items, you will enjoy a better looking home, and furnishings that have a very long service life.
If you would like more information, please feel welcome to call us at 952-0318.