Many homeowners are concerned about whether cleaning carpets can cause illness. Since the goal of cleaning is to improve rather than worsen conditions, this is a crucial question. The short answer is that improper carpet cleaning techniques can result in temporary health issues.

However, you can completely prevent this from happening if you know what causes it. So, do you get sick from cleaning carpets? It mostly depends on the drying times, chemicals, and techniques used. It's important to consider which aspects of cleaning may be harmful to your health before we examine the specific risks.

How could you get sick from cleaning carpets?

Agitation of Allergens

Inadequate handling of allergens and moisture is one of the primary ways that carpet cleaning can cause illness. The process may unintentionally exacerbate the issues it is attempting to resolve.

• Cleaning can stir up dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores that are stuck deep in the carpet. If these particles aren't properly contained and removed, they could get into the air.

• If HEPA filtration and proper extraction are not used, it can make symptoms worse for sensitive people.

The Mold Threat

The primary cause of illness from carpet cleaning is excessive moisture. Carpets left wet for more than 24 to 48 hours can develop mold and mildew. Inhaling these spores can lead to allergic reactions and respiratory issues, which are extremely harmful to your health. The padding and backing of old carpet are more likely to retain moisture and mildew, which is another major factor contributing to its potential to make you ill.

Can Carpet Cleaning make you sick from Chemical Exposure?

Depending on the cleaning supplies you use, cleaning carpets may or may not make you ill. Many people fear toxic waste.

Volatile Organic Compounds

As they dry, volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are released. Many cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These fumes can cause headaches, nausea, vertigo, and irritation of the throat, nose, and eyes. As a result, many people are curious about the safety of using carpet cleaning products. Certain activities may make some people who have asthma or chemical sensitivity feel worse.

Residue irritants

Tiny amounts of chemicals may remain after being fully cleaned off. Your skin may become itchy when your children play on the floor. Even after cleaning their carpets, people are concerned that these remaining items could still make them ill.

Interactions with old Carpets

You should also think about whether touching old carpets could make you sick. People used to put chemicals on old carpets that were bad for them. If you use a cleaner that is too strong, it could react with these old treatments and let particles or gases into the air in your home that you don't want.

How to Stay Healthy: Make Sure Your Carpet Is Clean

If you follow these important steps for a safe and healthy clean, you can completely avoid the question of whether or not carpet cleaning could make you sick.

Communicate Health Issues

You can completely avoid the question of whether or not carpet cleaning could make you sick by following these important steps for a safe and healthy clean.

Choose Green Cleaning Solutions

If you're worried about the chemicals used to clean carpets, look for a company that uses "green" cleaning products that are safe for people and pets. These solutions have fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and come from cleaner, plant-based sources. This makes it much less likely that people will come into contact with chemicals.

Verifying Powerful Drying Methods

The best way to stop mold from growing is to dry things quickly and all the way through. To get rid of as much moisture as possible, professional cleaners have to use strong extraction methods. After that, you should open windows, turn on fans, and turn on the air conditioning to let the carpet dry for a few hours.

Request a HEPA vacuum pre-clean

You need to vacuum the area well with a machine that has a HEPA filter before you start any wet cleaning. This lowers the risk of allergies from carpet cleaning by trapping small allergens and keeping them from getting into your lungs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you get sick right away after cleaning your carpets?

Using strong chemical cleaners in an area with inadequate ventilation can cause immediate nausea, including headaches, lightheadedness, or lung irritation from breathing in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

2. After cleaning a room, how long should I remain healthy?

Until the carpet is completely dry and the chemical odor has subsided, you should avoid the room. Professionals can dry in 4 to 8 hours, but if there is insufficient airflow, it may take longer.

3. Even after cleaning, is it possible to become ill from old carpet?

A surface clean won't remove mold if it has penetrated deeply into the carpet padding or backing due to poor cleaning in the past. Sometimes the only way to fully resolve the health issue is to replace the carpet.

4. Are children and pets at risk from the chemicals used to clean carpets?

Certain common chemicals are more likely to harm children and pets because they are smaller and closer to the ground. They may also feel negatively affected by these chemicals. To keep people and the environment safe, always request cleaning supplies that are safe for both.

5. Will my allergies worsen if I clean my carpets?

Initially, the process may temporarily exacerbate allergens. However, these allergens can be permanently eliminated with a thorough extraction and HEPA vacuuming, and deep cleaning. Over time, this will help with allergies and improve the air quality.

Choose a company that prioritizes your well-being

Can carpet cleaning make you sick? It is a question we strongly disagree with. At A&BCarpet, we use the newest drying technology along with environmentally friendly products.

However, you can get all the health benefits of a deep clean without any of the risks if you work with a qualified professional who uses low-moisture techniques, non-toxic solutions, and quick drying. So if you are looking for a clean carpet that will not harm your health, contact us Today.