8 Dirty Secrets Your Carpet May Be Keeping from You

One of the biggest problems with carpet is that it soaks up fluid faster than you can blot it dry. That means that spilled food or drinks tend to wick deep down into the carpet fibers and pad, where they become a breeding ground for various types of mold. Not only does mold lead to stains and odor, but mold spores are another common cause of indoor allergies. 

Solution: Always blot spills dry as quickly as possible, and then follow up with an enzyme cleaner to break down and remove food residue.

Spring is in the air, and that means pollen is everywhere—including on your carpets. Actually, pollen is a year-round problem in many areas, and the dusty stuff easily enters your home through open windows and doors as well as on your clothing. That’s a problem, because pollen is a common cause of hay fever and asthma flare-ups. 

Solution: Vacuum your carpets at least once a week, and more often if you tend to keep windows open or have an allergy sufferer at home.

Even if you don’t own a dog, it’s almost certain that your carpet contains microscopic bits of dog droppings. Take your child to the park and walk on the grass, stroll down a city sidewalk, step into the gutter as you get out of your car...all day long, your shoes are picking up residue from animal waste, which wipes off onto your carpet when you get home. 

Solution: Take your shoes off at your front door, and change into a pair of indoor-only slippers or house shoes.

According to microbiologist Dr. Philip Tierno of NYU Langone Medical Center, carpet can contain a shocking 200,000 bacteria per square inch. That’s more than your toilet seat! While most of these germs are harmless, others, including E. coli, salmonella, and staphylococcus, can cause digestive upset, skin infections, respiratory illness, or allergic reactions.

Solution: Give your carpets a thorough, deep steam cleaning at least once per year.

Your carpet can hold a whole lot of dirt. In fact, there are potentially several pounds of it spread throughout the house. Most of that dirt is tracked in on shoes or on the feet and fur of pets, although some blows in through open doors and windows, or comes down the fireplace. Once dirt gets in the carpet, it creates stains and can increase populations of bacteria, mold, and bugs. 

Solution: Put doormats at all entrances to your home so family and visitors can wipe dirt off their shoes, and vacuum weekly.

Discover and admire beautiful and innovative home architecture, from grand Victorians to quaint cabins and all the styles in between. Take a look at the latest images and inspiration!