Carpet Cleanings Affect on Health

The Role of Carpet Cleaning in Allergy Prevention and Respiratory Health

For many households and workplaces across Edinburgh, carpets bring comfort, warmth, and style. But while carpets offer many benefits, they also act as large filters that trap allergens, dust, and microscopic particles from the surrounding environment. Over time, these pollutants accumulate deep within the fibres, contributing to respiratory issues, persistent allergies, and poor indoor air quality.

At Clarks Carpet Care, we meet countless customers who are surprised by the dramatic difference a professional carpet clean makes to their allergy symptoms. This is because proper carpet cleaning directly supports respiratory health — something often overlooked. This in-depth guide explains why carpets trigger allergies, how cleaning helps, and what you can do to maintain a healthier indoor environment.

Why Carpets Collect Allergens

Carpets naturally trap particles that settle from the air or are brought in through foot traffic. Common allergens found in carpets include:

1. Dust Mites

These microscopic insects feed on dead skin cells and thrive in warm, humid environments. Their waste particles are a major trigger for allergies and asthma.

2. Pollen

Carried indoors on shoes, clothing, and pets, pollen becomes trapped deep within carpet fibres.

3. Pet Dander

Even hypoallergenic pets produce dander — tiny flakes of skin that trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

4. Mould Spores

Moisture from spills or high humidity can lead to mould growth beneath the carpet, releasing airborne spores that affect breathing.

5. Bacteria and Microbes

Outdoor dirt contains bacteria that embed themselves in the carpet and become airborne when disturbed.

Once these allergens settle into a carpet, everyday activities like walking, sitting, or vacuuming can send them back into the air — where they can be inhaled.

How Allergens Affect Respiratory Health

Carpet allergens can cause or worsen:

• Sneezing and congestion
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Wheezing and coughing
• Asthma flare-ups
• Skin irritation or hives
• Headaches

Children and pets are particularly vulnerable because they spend more time close to the floor. Allergy sufferers may find symptoms worsening at night or first thing in the morning due to prolonged exposure.

Why Vacuuming Alone Isn’t Enough

Vacuuming is essential, but even the best home vacuum cannot remove all allergens. Dust mites, pollen fragments, and bacteria settle deep below the surface — often beyond the reach of household suction power.

Additionally:

• Some vacuums release dust back into the air, especially older models.
• Cheap carpet powders can worsen symptoms by adding artificial fragrance or chemical residue.
• Without professional extraction, sticky residues attract even more allergens over time.

In short, vacuuming helps but doesn’t solve the problem.

How Professional Carpet Cleaning Improves Allergy and Respiratory Health

1. Hot Water Extraction Removes Deep Contaminants

At Clarks Carpet Care, we use high-powered hot water extraction (steam cleaning), which is clinically proven to remove allergens hidden deep within carpet fibres.

The process works by:

• Injecting hot water into the carpet
• Loosening stubborn dirt, pollen, dander, and dust mite waste
• Extracting contaminants with powerful suction

The high temperature also kills bacteria, mould spores, and dust mites, improving hygiene dramatically.

2. Eco-Friendly Products Prevent Irritation

Many carpet cleaners use harsh chemicals that can irritate people with allergies, eczema, or asthma. We use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning solutions that are free from strong fragrances and safe for sensitive individuals.

These solutions effectively dissolve dirt without introducing harmful airborne irritants.

3. Reducing Dust Mites — The Biggest Allergy Trigger

Dust mites are among the most common indoor allergens. Their waste particles become airborne easily and can cause a wide range of respiratory issues.

Steam cleaning significantly reduces dust mite populations by removing their food sources (dead skin cells) and eliminating them with high heat.

4. Eliminating Mould and Bacteria

Moisture trapped beneath carpets creates ideal conditions for mould. Once established, mould spores can exacerbate asthma and cause persistent respiratory distress.

Professional cleaning removes excess moisture, breaks down mould colonies, and sanitises the environment. This not only improves air quality but also prevents long-term carpet damage.

5. Improving Indoor Air Quality

By removing allergens, microbes, and odour-causing substances, professional cleaning dramatically improves the air you breathe. Cleaner carpets mean fewer airborne particles, fewer irritants, and a more pleasant indoor environment.

Regular carpet cleaning has been linked to:

• Reduced asthma symptoms
• Fewer allergy flare-ups
• Better sleep quality
• Less dust settling on furniture

This is especially beneficial in bedrooms, where people spend many hours breathing in close proximity to carpets.

How Often Should Allergy Sufferers Clean Their Carpets?

For allergy sufferers or asthma-prone individuals, we recommend:

• Every 3 months for high-traffic areas
• Every 6 months for bedrooms and living rooms
• Annually for low-use areas

Regular cleaning prevents build-up and maintains low allergen levels throughout the year.

Homes with pets or thick-pile carpets may require more frequent cleaning.

Tips to Reduce Allergens Between Professional Cleans

1. Use High-Quality HEPA Vacuums

These models trap microscopic particles instead of circulating them back into the room.

2. Remove Shoes Indoors

This reduces pollen, bacteria, and dirt tracked onto carpets.

3. Maintain Low Humidity

Dust mites and mould thrive in humid spaces. Aim for 40–55% humidity.

4. Clean Pet Bedding Frequently

Pet dander often originates from areas where pets sleep or rest.

5. Address Spills Immediately

Moisture encourages mould growth beneath carpets.

6. Consider Carpet Protectors

Professional protective treatments help prevent allergens from becoming embedded in fibres.

Carpet Cleaning in Workplaces: Even More Important

Commercial spaces often suffer from higher allergen levels because of:

• Heavy foot traffic
• Shared ventilation
• Multiple sources of contamination

Employees with respiratory issues may experience daily symptoms without knowing the carpet is the culprit. Regular commercial carpet cleaning helps reduce sick days and supports a healthier work environment.

Clean Carpets Support Healthy Lungs

Carpet cleaning is not just cosmetic — it plays a vital role in protecting respiratory health. Allergens, dust mites, pollen, bacteria, and mould spores accumulate silently, affecting air quality and triggering unwanted symptoms.

With professional carpet cleaning from Clarks Carpet Care, your carpets become safer, fresher, and significantly healthier. Our advanced steam cleaning equipment and eco-friendly products ensure deep sanitisation without harsh chemicals, giving your family or staff a cleaner environment to breathe in.

Clean carpets don’t just look better — they help you live better.