We’ve all abided by it at some point: the “five-second rule.” This rule purports that if a food item touched the ground even for a few moments that it’s still clean and safe to eat. Well, this so-called rule that’s widely taken as the gospel has been proven to be false. In fact, a Rutgers University study debunked the five-second rule, whereby researchers found germ transmission could occur in less than one second.
So throw those bite-sized castoffs into the trash can and then take a moment to consider how dirty your tile and carpet floors are.
Dirty Carpets Can be a Danger to Your Health
While carpets bring many benefits to a home, such as a cozy atmosphere and cushioned play areas, carpets are essentially dirty places. In fact, carpet fibers are the perfect hiding places for:
- Dirt
- Dust
- Pet hair and dander
- Insect droppings
- Human hair and dead skin cells
- Airborne pollutants
- Food debris
- Residual cigarette smoke and ash
- Pollen
They are also a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, allowing mold and mildew to not only grow but to spread.
While regular vacuuming can get rid of some of the surface debris, your typical household cleaning tools are simply not powerful enough to ensure a thorough cleaning. Plus, vacuum cleaners cannot get through to the padding, and they can’t kill mildew, mold, germs, and other irritants. In fact, when you run a heavy vacuum cleaner over your carpets, you’re actually pushing debris further into the pile.
Could Your Carpet Be Making You Sick?
It’s very possible. Dirty carpets have been known to contribute to and exacerbate health issues, especially in people who have asthma and allergies. Because mold, mildew, and bacteria love hiding out in old, damp carpets, you could be breathing in those trapped pollutants every day.
Also, chemicals used in the carpet manufacturing process can be released over time as carpet fibers break down.
Just think about how much time you spend on your carpets, especially if you have small children and spend a lot of time playing on the floor.
In the end, carpets aren’t necessarily unsafe when it comes to your health. You just have to be vigilant in cleaning them properly. For many homeowners, that involves hiring a professional carpet cleaning company to provide periodic thorough cleanings. The high heat and powerful extraction techniques used by the pros can kill bacteria and effectively remove stains and ground-in dirt.
Call 1st Class Carpet Cleaning and Restoration Services at (248) 491-3088
Worried about what may be lurking in your carpets? Forget about the five-second rule and take the safe route: call our professional carpet cleaners in Detroit for the safest and most effective results possible. Give us a call at (248) 491-3088.
