CARPETS: CUDDLY COMFORT OR CONTAGIOUS CONUNDRUM?
Carpets: Cuddly Comfort or Contagious Conundrum?
Carpets, once a symbol of luxury and comfort, are now increasingly viewed with a critical eye in office settings. While they offer warmth and acoustic benefits, they also harbor a multitude of health hazards if not properly cleaned and maintained. The health risks posed to office occupants by poor carpet cleaning are enormous. Let’s take a deep dive here:
“The Closest Shadows Hold the Darkest Secrets”
Hiding in Plain Sight: Sickness Seeds, Allergens Bloom as Pathogens Reign
The essential benefits for which carpets are utilized in workplaces are also the prime culprits for them harboring pathogens and providing a breeding ground. To understand this, we first need to understand the structure of a carpet.
Carpet Structure
- Foundation: The foundation is usually made from materials like jute, polypropylene, or recycled materials. It provides stability and support.
- Primary Backing: The first layer attached to the foundation, often made of latex or foam. It enhances dimensional stability and can offer sound absorption.
- Secondary Backing: An optional layer that further improves stability and may include features like moisture resistance.
- Face Yarn: The visible portion, made of fibers like nylon, wool, polyester, or blends. It's inserted into the backing using tufting needles, creating loops or cut piles.
The most extensively used carpet weaves in offices are: 
Above: A Cross-Sectional View of the Most Widely Used Carpets for Workplaces
As is evident from the cross-sectional view of the carpet, its construction provides ample opportunities for dirt, dust, organic matter, and microbes to find a cushy and safe harbor. Their presence can trigger allergic reactions, including sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and even asthma attacks, particularly in sensitive individuals.
Health Risks Lurking in Carpets :Beyond dust mites, carpets trap other allergens such as pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and even certain types of fungi. These airborne particles can circulate through the office environment, leading to respiratory issues, skin irritations, and chronic health problems for employees.
Furthermore, carpets can become breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. Everyday foot traffic introduces countless microorganisms, including those that cause common colds, flu, and more serious infections. The effectiveness of daily vacuuming depends on factors like the pressure on cleaning staff, the equipment used, and the speed of cleaning. Improper cleaning leaves these pathogens lingering in carpet fibers, posing a “continuously growing” threat to the health and well-being of office occupants. Special protocols must be followed for the first-time cleaning of newly laid carpets, as they emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals, often used in carpet manufacturing and dyeing processes, can off-gas over time, contributing to poor indoor air quality and posing potential health risks.
“Mens sana in corpore sano” (Latin): A Sound Mind in a Sound Body”
Impact on Productivity and Employee Well-Being
The health hazards associated with poorly cleaned carpets extend beyond physical symptoms. When employees suffer from allergies, respiratory issues, or other health problems related to poor indoor air quality, their productivity inevitably declines due to:
- Absenteeism
- Reduced concentration and focus
- Low morale etc.
“The Harvest is Always Greater Than the Seeds Sown” – Og Mandino
Enhanced Hygiene Security Through Professional Carpet Cleaning: To mitigate the health risks associated with dirty carpets, it is crucial to implement a regular and effective cleaning regimen. This is easier said than done. A good carpet care regimen includes a combination of:
1. Effective Carpet Cleaning
2. Aftercare & Preventive Treatments
3. Disinfection before handing the carpet over to the Facilities Team
Hygienetech: Carpet Care Specialists
Hygienetech offers the widest range of treatment and post-treatment services for carpets, including stain removal. Our post-cleaning care treatments include:
Cleaning & Disinfection Treatments:
- Dry Foam Shampooing.
- Deep Injection Extraction.
- Steam Vacuuming.
- Steam Vacuuming with Dry Foam Shampoo & Extraction.
- Post Treatment Services Includes:
* Anti-Mite Treatment: Preventive control of dust mite growth in upholstery and carpets, effectively providing allergen control.
* Anti-Microbial Treatment: Preventive control of microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, etc.) round-the-clock for up to 90 days. This treatment is commonly preferred for common touch surfaces like sofas and chairs.
* Anti-Spill Treatment: Applying a spill control layer to the upholstery ensures spotless upholstery for longer periods.
Hygienetech’s services also include innovative on-site cleaning for vertical blinds and chairs. We currently provide Carpet Care Services in Mumbai and Pune.
“For More Information”
Call/WhatsApp: 9372508890 / 9372748200
Email: info@hygienetech.in
Author: Suhani Sanghvi