With humidity, laundry drying inside and often insufficient ventilation, winter creates ideal conditions for the proliferation of mold in our homes. If we generally think of walls or windows, another culprit, much more discreet, is often forgotten during cleaning: the carpet. Decorative and comfortable, it nevertheless accumulates dirt, humidity and micro-organisms, sometimes without us realizing it.
Carpet, a breeding ground for mold and allergens
According to a study by the manufacturer Kleen-Tex Home, relayed by the British newspaper Express62% of consumers do not wash their carpets or bedside rugs at least once a month, even though this is the recommended frequency to limit the accumulation of dirt and humidity.
In winter, between wet shoes, mud, dust and more humid air, carpets become real sponges. Result: molds find an ideal environment to develop there.
Michelle Byrne, product marketing manager at Kleen-Tex Home, reminds that mold is not limited to visible stains:
“We tend to associate mold with marks on walls, but it is often hidden in textiles, especially carpets near the entrance.”
Real consequences on health
The problem is not limited to a question of hygiene or odor. Exposure to mold can cause or worsen allergies, respiratory irritation, and asthma symptoms, especially in children, the elderly, and respiratory-sensitive individuals.
Carpets can also retain mites, dust and spores, which are then dispersed into the air with each passage.
In the kitchen, the risk is even greater. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical, warns against carpets in this room in a previous article:
“Mats absorb liquids, which encourages the growth of bacteria and mold from food.”
Added to this is another danger: the risk of slipping, especially when the carpet is wet.
Good reflexes to limit risks
To reduce the dangers associated with carpets, experts recommend a few simple but essential actions:
- Vacuum at least once a week, paying particular attention to high traffic areas;
- Shake the carpets outside to remove encrusted dust;
- Machine wash rugs once a month, if the material allows;
- Dry well after cleaning, as residual moisture promotes mold;
- Ventilate the home daily, even in winter, to renew the air and reduce humidity.
In the kitchen or in very humid areas, doing without it may even be the best option. Otherwise, it is better to favor easy-to-clean surfaces such as tiles or polished concrete.
Regular maintenance and good ventilation are essential to preserve air quality… and your health.