10 Hazardous Carpet Cleaning Issues that Will Make you Think Twice
Carpet cleaning requires professional methods and proven techniques to ensure quality results. It also takes cleaning experts to deal with the different hazardous issues that could eventually ruin your carpet beyond repair. Carpet care and maintenance is a challenging yet vital task that calls for extensive training and substantial input. Hire professional and certified carpet cleaning companies when you encounter any of the top most harmful damages to your carpet and yourself as well.
Top 10 Carpet Cleaning Issues that Need the Experts
1. Lead Paint
Lead paint is a household staple that continuously gains negative reports from various sectors. It poses health-threatening hazards to humans, animals, and all occupants in the vicinity. Carpets are quite susceptible to all types of hazardous spillages including lead paint. It poses doubly harmful threats if you leave the matter unaddressed for an extended period of time. Thus, the issue needs to be addressed right away in order to avoid aggravating the problem.
How lead paint in carpets become dangerous?
Lead-based paint that dries out in the carpet pile becomes dangerous especially when it is dusted out and fills the air. It instantly becomes an airborne threat when inhaled. Residential and commercial carpets are highly at risk of lead paint problems. It poses health hazards to your family and pets or to employees, tenants, and building guests. In most cases, lead paint gets into the carpet when the facility or house is being remodeled without any safety procedures and protection for both humans and the carpet.
How is lead removed from the carpet?
The first thing you need to do is call a trusted professional carpet cleaning company right away. They have the safety gears, training, and equipment to get rid of lead paint that gets into your carpet. There are numerous steps implemented but generally, the lead dust is controlled before proceeding with cleaning the surface using the right tools and machines. Lead is thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed from the carpet pile, and rinsed with clean water and clean cloth.
2. Blood Pathogens
Blood stains are tough to remove and could have long-term damage to the carpet. Nonetheless, the carpet is prone to blood pathogens any time of the day or night. Immediate spot cleaning is necessary if you want to get rid of blood stains in your precious rug. The sooner you act on the problem, the more effective the cleaning will be. However, if you don’t have the idea and tool to get rid of it, entrust the problem to the experts. Call a carpet cleaning expert at once.
What can you do to remove blood stains before the experts arrive?
For dry blood stains, brush the spot using a steel brush in order to agitate and loosen the stain. Brushing with steel brush removes the surface deposit and dislodges the bonding agent of the blood. Use a cleaning solution for spot removal and carefully follow the instruction. Use white and clean cloth to dip into the solution and blot the stained surface. Repeatedly blot the stain until it disappears.
3. Asbestos
Just like lead, asbestos is also on top of the list for the most hazardous agents inside the house or a commercial establishment. In case asbestos gets into the carpet pile and eventually into the air, it becomes a serious health threat. Asbestos dust is considered carcinogenic which means it could cause life-threatening conditions such as cancer. Asbestos could easily integrate and build up in the carpet pile and this is quite common in old houses where asbestos materials abound.
What do you do when your carpet got asbestos?
Immediate notification to authorities and attention is vital in order to avoid exposure to asbestos. You do not usually have the safety gear and equipment to deal with this type of hazard. Thus, the best way is to call a carpet cleaning specialist to get rid of asbestos in your carpet. Carpet cleaning technicians have safety gears to protect themselves from inhaling or ingesting asbestos while cleaning. Leave the job to the experts in order to ensure your safety and those of your loved ones. Do not in any way attempt to vacuum or touch the affected area. Let the professionals handle the problem.
4. Hazardous Chemicals
Aside from lead and asbestos, there are other health-threatening chemicals that may be lurking in your carpet pile. Moreover, there could be potentially harmful carpet cleaning chemicals you may have mistakenly purchased. That is exactly why DIY deep carpet cleaning is not recommended. Experts go against it as you may be causing more harm than good in the long run. The safest way to revive and clean your carpet without lifting a finger is through hiring professional cleaning technicians.
What are eco-friendly and green carpet cleaning products?
Cleaning chemicals for carpet cleaning are usually formulated with strong solvents and ingredients. Nowadays, you need not deal with scary toxic carpet cleaning solutions. Eco-friendly and safe cleaning products are available to the public. These are also used for commercial cleaning and most carpet specialists include these products in their program.
- Organic Stain Removers
You can use natural and non-toxic stains removers in order to get rid of all types of spills from blood to urine to beverages and so much more. Most of these organic solutions contain enzymes, plant-based mixtures, and even sustainable aroma therapeutic essential oils.
- Natural Odor Eliminator
Botanical deodorizers are also highly recommended products to include in your carpet cleaning first aid kit. Powerful yet safe deodorizing solutions get rid of horrendous odors from pet urine and dander to nasty food stains. Some of these eco-friendly products also remove tough stains.
- Bio-Friendly Carpet and Rug Shampoo
Carpet and rug shampoos were typically harsh and strong with foamy formulation. Not anymore. Plant-based carpet shampoo cleaners have powerful safe enzymes that get rid of dirt yet gentle on humans and pets. Organic carpet shampoos also have concentrated solutions that immediately get rid of the stain and dirt. Moreover, they don’t leave harsh residues in your carpet fiber.
5. Sick Building Syndrome
One of the most daunting issues about carpet cleaning is that there are follow up complaints about sick building syndrome. Occupants of the residential or commercial facility complain about odors, pests, dusts, irritating cleaning chemicals, poor ventilation, faulty cleaning methods and allergic reactions. Professional carpet cleaners are not spared from these carpet cleaning concerns. That’s why you need to hire a certified, trained, and insured cleaning company to begin with.
Is deep cleaning the solution to avoid sick building syndrome?
Carpet cleaning experts know where to focus in order to get the results that the client needs. Trained cleaning technicians concentrate on areas where chemical reactions and diseases may spread. They sanitize the area and make sure that everything is cleaned with no residues left behind. Deep cleaning the carpet is a vital part of an effective maintenance program. You can schedule a deep cleaning treatment for your carpet depending on the instruction of the manufacturer. Most advise deep cleaning the carpet every 12 months while others allow more frequent treatments.
6. Hazardous Cleaning Equipment
Safety is an essential factor that must be observed in all carpet cleaning projects. Think how safe is DIY carpet cleaning if you think about doing the carpet treatment on your own. Is it even worth the risk? For instance, carpet cleaning requires using some powerful and heavy-duty equipment or machine. It may put your safety at risk if you don’t know how to properly use and handle the carpet cleaning tools. Avoid injuries and accidents and hire carpet cleaning professionals instead.
What are commercial carpet cleaning machines?
Nowadays, more and more carpet cleaning machines and technologies have been invented to cater to the increasing demands of carpet care and maintenance. Highly powered and advanced carpet cleaning equipment also cuts the need for more workers. This cost cutting option is quite favorable to carpet cleaning companies as they maintain their workflow with fewer technicians to handle the job. Some of the industry grade carpet cleaning machines includes propane-powered floor care tools, self-propelled automatic brushes or scrubbers, and truck-mounted steam cleaners. Only trained and licensed carpet cleaners know how to handle and operate these machines.
7. Body Injuries and Ergonomics
The cleaning and maintenance niche is no stranger to body injuries and pains. These injuries are basically part of the trade. Thus, if you don’t want to experience body problems, make sure you delegate the job to the experts. There is definitely nothing wrong with prioritizing your own safety than getting clean and beautiful carpets. However, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. All you have to do is find a reputable carpet cleaning company to begin with.
What are common body injuries due to carpet cleaning?
Repetitive motion which is common in carpet cleaning could result to body pains and injuries. These injuries affect the arms, shoulders, elbows, neck, ankles, knees, back, hands, wrists, and fingers. Carpet cleaning-related injuries may occur over time or right away. Professional carpet cleaners on the other hand are much safer because they have the protective gears and the right equipment. Take a look at some of the body injuries that you can avoid:
Carpal Tunnel
When you spend hours cleaning the carpet with a vacuum or steam cleaning wand, the vibration or pulsing of the equipment could have an impact on your wrist and hand.
- Backache
Cleaning the carpet requires you to move bulky and heavy furniture from their original place to another. Lifting heavy furniture and solid stuffs could result to inexplicably painful back and spine problems. Professional carpet cleaners have the safety support and equipment to help them move large things from one place to another without causing any body injuries.
- Shoulder Pain
This is an interconnected body injury with backaches and pains. Carpet cleaning using heavy steam cleaning wands or vacuums may hurt your shoulders. You are actually lifting the equipment and using it in a repetitive manner, thus putting more pressure in the area. The repetitive movement and pressure on the shoulder causes muscle aches and swelling.
8. Costly Carpet Cleaning Fees
This issue could be hazardous as well, especially to your pocket and savings. The key to avoiding this problem is to find a trusted and reputable carpet cleaning service provider. Some rogue traders or fly-by-night companies may give you shady quotes that contain hidden or additional charges. Always ask questions if something in the quote is not clear to you before signing on the dotted lines.
How can you get affordable carpet cleaning costs?
First, you need to make a research before you hire any carpet cleaning company. Get recommendation from friends, family, or any trusted colleagues. Maybe they know a carpet cleaning specialist that offer quality service without breaking the bank. Search online for top choices of carpet cleaners in your area. Make a shortlist of the companies you may potentially consider. Second, compare the different companies in your shortlist. Call the companies and talk to their representative, inquiring about their services and rates. Finally, choose the carpet cleaning company that offers the most financially suitable rate for you.
Does cheap service offer quality results?
Not necessarily. Some carpet cleaning companies trick you into choosing their cheaper services but if it is too good to be true, you need to reconsider. Service rates for carpet cleaning that are way too low than the standard industry rates are shady and questionable. Go for the right competitive pricing that offers quality results as well. Read reviews from customers in order to know the background of the carpet cleaner you want to hire.
9. Molds and Mildew
One of the most pressing and health-threatening issues in carpet cleaning is mold and mildew buildup. Carpet molds are dangerous simply because they are the source of allergens or substances that cause adverse allergic reactions. Some molds produce irritants while others have mycotoxins or toxic substances. Ingesting or inhaling molds or mold spores leads to respiratory problems and other more serious ailments. You cannot deal with molds in your carpet unless you have the training and equipment like professional carpet cleaners.
How to identify mold in your carpet?
Mold growth could be visible or not. In fact, you cannot identify or detect molds in your carpet at a single glance. When you see mold growth in your carpet, this is usually beyond repair or not restorable. The best solution is to dispose and replace the carpet right away. Molds grow and thrive in wet or water damaged rugs. You can either see or smell them. It is also the same with carpet mildew which causes discoloration or foul odor on the carpet.
Can you prevent mold from damaging the carpet?
Carpet owners can extend the life and usability of their carpet through mold prevention. The best way to combat mold and stop it from invading your carpet is through reducing your indoor humidity. Molds grow and develop in moist, damp, and humid areas. Use dehumidifiers to control indoor air moisture and deprive mold spores of their breeding environment. Get rid of standing water and immediately dry out water damaged carpet outside.
10. Toxic Airborne Emissions from Carpets
Toxic carpets do not necessarily have to be old. In fact, new carpets are also prone to hazardous contents. Have you ever experienced buying a new carpet and smell a pungent or strong odor right after you install it? New carpets usually contain chemicals as part of their overall construction. Some of the contents include formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, styrene, ethyl benzene, acetone, and a plethora of other chemicals. Most of these chemicals are carcinogens which are definitely harmful to your health when inhaled or ingested.
What are the possible effects of these toxic emissions?
Most new carpet smells are associated to upper respiratory, nose, and eye problems. These are chemicals that are in the latex backing of most carpets. Others are from flame retardants, stain protectors, and adhesives. Toxic reactions are preventable especially in new carpets. First, you need to talk to the carpet manufacturer or retailer and ask about the proper carpet usage for the first initial days or weeks.
What are common toxic emissions from old carpets?
Old and dirty carpets are home to all types of dirt and toxic substances. Allergens, dust mites, dirt, and even pesticides could reside in your carpet. Household dust could also contain heavy metal or lead residues which are life-threatening. Older carpets particularly shaggy or plush types require deep cleaning, regular vacuuming, and a consistent carpet care and maintenance program. These are necessary steps in order to revive your carpet, bring it back to its good shape and look, and extend its life span.
Carpets are downright susceptible to all types of damage issues and concerns. There are also carpet cleaning problems that should be addressed right away. Keep your carpet investment intact with the right carpet maintenance and treatment. Schedule an appointment with a carpet cleaning specialist today.
