Dust mites might be invisible to the naked eye, but their presence in our health and home environments is far from hidden. These microscopic little critters thrive in warm, humid spaces. Unfortunately, our bedding, curtains, and especially carpets make the perfect playground for them. Living off the skin cells we shed daily, they settle comfortably into undisturbed spaces, happily breeding away.
Dust mites can worsen symptoms for allergy sufferers, particularly those with asthma or eczema. The droppings they leave behind are a major source of allergens, causing sneezing, runny noses, red eyes, and a host of other uncomfortable reactions. So, reducing dust mites is a must for those wanting a fresher, healthier home. So, Does professional carpet cleaning kill dust mites? Let’s look at how professional carpet cleaning could help you and be the answer to your prayers.
The short answer? Yes. Dust mites are all about finding a warm, humid environment with a steady supply of food – and our carpets provide precisely that. Your carpets, with their layers of cosy fibres, trap dust and the skin cells shed by you and your pets, which is an ideal food source for dust mites. Their presence in carpets, as well as in bedding, upholstery, and even car seats, can be an unseen cause of various health issues.
Dust mites lingering in the carpet can increase symptoms significantly for those with asthma or dust-related allergies. Even if we can’t see them, these little creatures can have a big impact on our home and well-being. So, how can we best handle dust mites in carpets?
It’s a common misconception that a quick vacuum can solve the dust mite problem. While vacuuming is great for everyday maintenance, it doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to effectively remove dust mites. The mites settle into the deepest layers of carpet fibres, often beyond the reach of most standard vacuums. Additionally, vacuums don’t use the heat required to eliminate these creatures, leaving the problem untouched in some ways.
Some homeowners turn to air dehumidifiers to reduce humidity, aiming to make conditions less appealing for dust mites. While lowering humidity can help slow down their spread, it doesn’t directly eliminate dust mites from carpets.
For a more thorough approach, steam cleaning is a method proven to tackle dust mites effectively. Studies have shown that steam-cleaning households are 87% effective in reducing dust mites. Few other methods provide such impressive results, making it a go-to solution for homeowners battling dust mite concerns. Here’s why it’s so successful:
Penetrating Heat: Steam cleaning uses high-temperature water, which reaches deep into the carpet fibres, killing dust mites with heat. The heated steam permeates the carpet, targeting dust mites where they hide and reducing the conditions in which they thrive.
Most professional carpet cleaners don’t “steam clean” as such, but they usually have the next best thing… Van-mounted hot water extraction!!!
Hot Water Extraction: Here at Art of Clean, we use hot water extraction as part of our cleaning process. The heat from our machine should do the same as steam cleaning your carpet. Remember, though, that even steam cleaning or hot water extraction isn’t guaranteed to get rid of them. If the infestation is significant, further help from an exterminator may be needed.
Powerful Extraction: Once the hot water has done its job, professional carpet cleaning equipment has strong suction power to lift away any remaining dust mites, allergens, and dirt.
Although it might seem tempting to tackle dust mites on your own, professional carpet cleaning is a worthwhile investment. Professionals bring both the equipment and experience necessary to handle a range of carpet types and conditions, reducing the risk of issues like carpet shrinkage, detergent residue, or dampness. In contrast, DIY attempts can lead to overly wet carpets, resulting in mould growth, damp smells, or even damage to the carpet fibres.
Professional carpet cleaners are trained to evaluate the material and condition of your carpet before treatment, ensuring the most suitable cleaning approach. Their expertise reduces the risk of unwanted results, like detergent staining or damp patches, making it a far safer and more effective choice for your carpets.
Dust mites don’t have to be a constant worry. You’re protecting your family’s health by proactively managing dust mite populations in your home. Regular professional carpet cleaning goes beyond just cleanliness – it enhances the air quality in your home, providing a fresher, healthier environment.
At Art of Clean, we understand the impact on your household’s comfort, especially for those with allergies. Contact Art of Clean today and let our team help you enjoy a mite-free home. We’re here to give you and your family the comfort and reassurance you deserve!
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please do not hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901551 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio, and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning, and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Farthings Cambridge provides our Dry-Cleaning service
