Clean Carpets Improve Indoor Ambience and Air Quality
Carpets make us feel comfortable and cozy, but did you know that they may harbor millions of microorganisms that can be harmful to human health? In fact, there are about 200,000 bacteria per square inch of carpet, according to microbiologist Professor Charles Gerba.
University of Arizona researchers Sheri Maxwell and Patricia Rusin found that infection-causing germs—such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus canis, and E. coli—often get trapped in carpet fibers.
In addition, carpets can be home to unpleasant fungi—like Aspergillus, Alternaria and Cladosporium—which build up as a result of skin shed by humans and pets, or can be tracked in from the outdoors on our clothes and shoes. These fungi are allergens that can cause more serious problems than dust mites, especially for sensitive individuals with weakened immune systems. Headaches, eye irritation, fatigue, and irritation of mucous membranes in the nose and throat are just some of the consequences of exposure to fungi.
Viruses, too, are common in carpeting, as are odors from cigarette smoke, pet urine and spills. “The available literature shows that carpets may act as a repository/sink for indoor air pollutants….and [are] associated with increased risk of a number of health outcomes including mild cognitive effects, irritative symptoms and asthma,” write scientists Rune Becher et al.
This is why proper carpet cleaning is essential to maintaining a healthy indoor environment. “I have reached the conclusion that carpeting and fabrics not cleaned and properly maintained have the potential to cause a variety of health problems inside the building environment,” says Professor Michael Berry, who has authored a book titled Protecting the Built Environment: Cleaning for Health.
Routinely cleaning carpets has many benefits, including preventing health problems from loose particles, minimizing the possibility of illness, lessening lifetime cancer risks, reducing complaints from apartment tenants and condo residents, and reducing liability for building owners and managers. “….Every time carpets and fabrics are emptied of their pollution build-up through professional cleaning methods, there is a health benefit,” Professor Berry says.
Effective Cleaning Methods
But what is the best way to clean carpets? It turns out, routine vacuuming works, but is not always good enough. According to Professor Berry, “typical vacuuming does not reduce fine particle levels indoors. Fine particles of less than 7 microns pass on through vacuum cleaning bags. These particles tend to build up over time and have the greatest potential to cause harm as they penetrate deep into the human lung.”
Vacuuming can also lead to the emission of particles from rotating brushes; this, combined with the vacuum’s exhaust system, reduces indoor air quality and creates cross contamination across areas of the carpet.
In addition to routine vacuuming, it is important that carpets receive a regular deep-clean that goes beyond the suctioning technology of a vacuum cleaner. The most effective deep-cleaning approaches include shampooing and hot water extraction cleaning.
At Avery Cleaning, we are committed to using these most up-to-date cleaning methods to disinfect your carpets. Depending on the condition and the age of your carpeting, we utilize either hot water extraction or shampooing with room temperature water extraction. The equipment that we use can heat water to 205 degrees Fahrenheit, creating steam that helps break down dirt and reduce bacteria.
While some carpet cleaners also use encapsulations and bonnet cleaning methods, we do not offer these services because we consider them inadequate. These approaches don’t remove a significant amount of dirt, but simply smear the pollutants all over the carpet. In a study conducted by Professor Berry and Carey Mitchell, they found that hot water extraction cleaning is needed after 4 to 5 encapsulation applications.
Hot Offer!
Receive a FREE year of Carpet Cleaning services for common areas (carpeted hallways, carpeted stairs and landings) in condominium complexes and apartment buildings when you sign a yearlong (12-month) agreement for a Regular Janitorial Service.
Regular Janitorial Service is defined as the scope of work specially developed and negotiated to meet your specific needs, and occurs at least once per week. Regular Janitorial Service includes, but is not limited to: 
- Vacuuming
- Dusting
- Cobweb removal and spider guard treatment
- Mopping
- Glass/mirror cleaning
- Door/door jambs cleaning
- Elevator polishing
- Laundry machine surface cleaning
- Trash linen replacement/junk mail removal
- Light fixture cleaning and dusting
- Trash pick-up on grounds and parking areas
The FREE Carpet Cleaning services include a one-time carpet shampoo cleaning and a stain removal procedure, both of which are performed during spring or in early summer. Any new stains or other accidents that occur on the carpet after the FREE Carpet Cleaning is completed are subject to an additional charge estimated by Avery Cleaning, LLC and approved by the client.
LIMIT OF LIABILITY FOR PROCESS
IICRC Certified Carpet Cleaning Technician will inspect the carpet, upholstery and stains before the Service commences.
Stains derived from bleaching agents, acids and permanent dyes may be permanent and may not respond to any treatment. Avery cleaning, LLC does not guarantee stain removal for permanent stains.
Avery Cleaning, LLC cannot be responsible for any pre-existing condition that is not apparent upon visual inspection of the premises. The company shall not be liable for shrinkage, changes in texture, running of dyes, appearance of stains, spots, fading, discoloration, old animal stains, ripping/tearing of fabric, hidden defects, nap distortion, water marking, installation defects or any other defects which may occur or result from the cleaning process, spot or stain removal, application of stain protection, application of flame protection, polishing, restoration, repairing or any other service, unless caused by gross negligence on the part of the technician.
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