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Replacing an old carpet isn’t just about updating the room’s aesthetics. Sometimes, there are legitimate health concerns to consider!
If you think about it, carpets can trap dirt, dust, and other allergens over time. They can become breeding grounds for bacteria, moulds, and insects that make you sick.
This article breaks down six signs it’s time to replace your carpet.
How Do Carpets Affect Your Health?
- Allergens: Studies show homes with carpeted floors have more allergies than non-carpeted ones. Carpets can worsen the symptoms for people with asthma.
- Reduced Air Quality: Carpets can suspend pollutants and release volatile organic compounds, causing poor air quality. It results in eye and respiratory irritation, fatigue, facial rash, and even headache.
- Pets: If you have pets, carpets can become a home for mites and ticks.
Fortunately, modern carpets have improved designs that are better for indoor air. Some emit less volatile organic compounds, and others have straight fibres that trap less dust.
What Are the Signs That You Have to Replace Your Carpet?
Experts recommend replacing carpets every 5 to 15 years. The lifespan of carpets may vary depending on their material and the amount of foot traffic they endure.
Below are the signs it’s time to replace the carpet at home.
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The Carpet Stains Are Everywhere
Carpet stains are inevitable if you have pets or kids at home.
Baking soda, dish soap, and sometimes even professional cleaning can remove these stains. However, over time, you’ll notice these stains can return after cleaning.
The reason for recurring stains is leftover residue from cleaners.
Stains can accumulate when you fail to remove soap from the carpet entirely. If your carpet already has too many stains, it’s time to put it to rest and buy a new one!
The Carpet Has Water Damage
Water damage is dangerous because it can become a breeding ground for mould and mildew.
Mold can produce toxic substances that cause allergies, skin rash, and hay fever symptoms. It may also irritate your eyes, lungs, nose, and throat.
Unfortunately, moulds love humid environments, and a wet carpet is a perfect place to grow. Once moulds take hold in your carpet, there’s no use cleaning it up.
If you notice water damage on your carpet, replace it immediately.
There’s a Persistent Odour
Odours on carpets may result from organic material from pet or child accidents.
Food spills and urine break down, causing the bacteria to release gas. The nasty smell from this gas is not only unpleasant. It can also be a health hazard!
In addition, the fibres in carpets can trap harmful chemicals in the air. They can retain cigarette smoke, fumes from wall paint, and other volatile organic compounds.
When an enzymatic odour cleaner no longer works on removing the scent, it’s time to replace your carpet.
You’re Covering Rips and Tears Up
Carpets can get worn and tear over time.
You may notice matting paths in areas with high foot traffic or rips along the edges. It’s vital to address the issue instead of covering the damaged areas with furniture.
Plus, even if there’s no visible damage on the carpet, it may be ruined underneath. It’s possible to wear the carpet’s padding down.
Carpet padding, or underlay, is the layer that absorbs heavy impact over the carpet. You can tell the padding is worn down when the carpet has ripples and wrinkles.
Replacing carpets with rips and tears is necessary because the uneven surface is a tripping hazard.
You’re Experiencing Allergies
Carpet allergies happen when your immune system reacts to the allergens that collect in your carpet. These allergens come from outside and then stick to your carpet when you walk over it.
According to VeryWell Health, carpets in high-traffic areas are home to pollen, mould spores, dander, and dust mites. They may also hold insect debris and smoke particles.
Each time you walk over your carpet, you stir the allergens up, filling the air around you. Afterwards, you inhale the allergens in the air.
Symptoms of carpet allergies include chest tightness, red eyes, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It’s time to replace the carpet if you feel any of these symptoms whenever you enter a carpeted room.
The Carpet Is Discolored
Finally, carpets can get discoloured over time. This could be because of dust or an accumulation of smoke particles.
White spots can form across the carpet, which is a sign of white mould. Moreover, the cleaning solutions you use over the carpet can also damage and bleach it.
Regardless of the cause, discolouration means your carpet is past its prime and requires replacement.
Replacing an old carpet can give your room a fresh new look. It can minimise health hazards and make you feel happier!
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How Can You Keep Your New Carpet Clean?
Once you replace the carpet, it’s a must to keep it clean to prolong its life. Here are some practices you should follow to protect your new carpet.
- Regular Vacuuming: Experts say you should vacuum the carpet at least once a week. You may vacuum it daily if you have the time to spare!
- Remove Outdoor Shoes: Never walk over your carpet using outdoor shoes. Instead, you should get room slippers for indoor use.
- Soak Up Spills: Whenever you spill something on the carpet, clean it up immediately. The longer you allow liquids to sit on your carpet, the more damaged it’ll get.
- Train Your Pets: It’s best to train your pets to stay off the carpet.
- Rotate Furniture: Be sure to clean areas of the carpet under furniture.
Conclusion
Carpets are lovely additions to a home. They contribute to a room’s comfort, insulation, and style.
Even so, replacing your carpet is necessary if it has a persistent odour or is too damaged. Wear and tear, mould, and allergies are just some of the reasons to buy a new carpet.
We recommend replacing a worn-out carpet to protect your family and bring new life to your space!