There are two sides to every story. Your carpet and your health are no exception. There have been studies that suggest carpet is a health risk. There have been many other studies showing that carpet can improve your health. Here is a short list of pros and cons of carpet, and solutions for anyone concerned about what decision to make.
Pros of Having Carpet
- Carpet acts as a filter for airborne contaminates. Airborne contaminates and allergens get caught in the fibers and sink in. This removes some of the “bad” particles from the air, making the air quality in a carpeted room much better.
- If you have ever slipped on a tile floor, you know the dangers. Carpet reduces that risk tremendously. Should a fall occur, carpet reduces the impact better than a hard surface. Carpet also eases the shock to the body by reducing the impact of a fall.
- Carpet is also warm and plush under your feet, especially important in the winter. Further, carpet acts as a noise dampener, helpful for those of us with kids.
Cons of Having Carpet
- Contaminates and allergens that get caught in the fibers of the carpet are the things upon which dust mites feed. Those little guys can cause a host of respiratory issues.
- Carpet is often difficult to maintain and looks dirty and worn after a few years of traffic in the home. Constant attention and cleaning is required.
A Few Solutions
Whether you take issue with the maintenance of the carpet or the health concerns of having it, there are some things you can do to make life easier.
- Use an aggressive program of vacuuming and regular cleaning. This will keep contaminates, allergens and dust mites to a minimum. I would suggest vacuuming once or twice a week. You may opt to purchase a good HEPA filter vacuum as well.
- Have your carpets cleaned professionally at least once a year.
- Do not use wall to wall carpet in areas with high moisture. Bathrooms and dark basements are a breeding ground in carpets.
- If you have a health concern in your child’s bedroom, opt for a hard surface and use an area rug. Be sure to vacuum the rug and wash it regularly.
So, no matter what your opinions are regarding carpet and your health, rest assured that there are ways to minimize the risk and still enjoy carpeting. Plus, you can always decide to have carpet in certain areas and not others. The main goal is to make a choice according to what is best for your home and family.