When you think about indoor air quality or air filters, you likely picture the HVAC system in your home or a standalone air purifier. Maybe you even think about opening your windows regularly (brr in the middle of January in Ottawa). But did you know that your HVAC system is actually the secondary air filter in your home? The biggest one is right under your feet. That’s right: it’s your carpets!
Carpets do more than just add style and warmth to your space—they play a key role in trapping dust, allergens, and other particles that would otherwise be floating in the air you breathe.
How Carpets Function as an Air Filter
If you’ve never thought of your carpets as an air filter before, you’re not alone. The truth is that carpets act like giant sponges, absorbing and trapping particles from the air and those tracked in from outside. Over time, dust, bacteria, pet dander, and other particles can settle into the carpet fibres. The good news is that since your carpet is acting like a filter, it prevents those nasty particles from circulating throughout your home. While this is a natural process, it comes with an important warning: just like any air filter, carpets need regular cleaning to continue filtering your air effectively.
Why Clean Carpets Matter for Indoor Air Quality
Trap Dust and Allergens
For families with children or pets, carpets can capture significant amounts of pet hair, dander, and other allergens. Over time, these particles accumulate and can be released back into the air when disturbed by all those busy little feet that are running around and having fun. Professional deep cleaning will alleviate this buildup, allowing your carpets to continue to act as an effective air filter.
Remove Pollutants from Outside
Ottawa homeowners know the challenges of seasonal dirt, road salt, and pollutants that inevitably get tracked indoors. These particles damage carpet fibres and can contribute to poor air quality if they’re allowed to accumulate over time. Professional cleaning can free up your carpet to continue filtering your air, while also ensuring it looks as good as ever.
Reduce Respiratory Irritants
Dust mites and mould spores love to settle in carpet fibres, especially in high-humidity or poorly ventilated areas. This can increase negative respiratory reactions and symptoms for those with allergies or more severe respiratory issues.
The Danger of Neglecting Your Carpet Filter
If you neglect your carpets, over time they will naturally become saturated with particles. When this happens, carpets lose their ability to trap new allergens and pollutants. Worse, the accumulation of bacteria and debris can result in unpleasant odours and create a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms. This breeding ground will live right under your feet, and its offspring gets kicked up into the air you breathe every time it’s disturbed. Just like you wouldn’t leave your HVAC filter unchanged for years, your carpet also requires regular attention to maintain its effectiveness.
Professional Carpet Cleaning in Ottawa Offers A Breath of Fresh Air
Restore and Care Plus understands carpets’ vital role in maintaining a healthy home, and the unique challenges that come with Ottawa’s four seasons. Our thorough cleaning process is designed to remove embedded dirt, allergens, and odours, refreshing your carpets and restoring their ability to filter the air in your home. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help you improve the air quality in your home.