Rugs and carpets without cleaners makes no sense at all. In fact, a major contributor to poor indoor air quality are dirty rugs and carpets. An unwillingness to clean your rugs and carpets regularly and properly, coupled with the high humidity that comes with living in South Carolina, can severely and negatively impact your home’s air quality.

Okay, so maybe you have already taken steps to control the humidity in your home and you are fanatical about removing dry soil from your rugs and carpets through regular vacuuming. Still, there are things you should know about cleaning rugs and carpets.

(For vacuuming tips, read my blog, “Vacuum Frequency.”)

If you are going to go the do-it-yourself cleaning route, then first avoid dry powder cleaners and carpet deodorizers. Why? In addition to quantities of fine particles that remain in the carpet (eventually becoming airborne respiratory irritants), many powder cleaners and deodorizers deposit a quantity of cellulosic carrier (corn starch or ground corn cob) within the nap cut-pile rugs and carpets commonly found in homes.

Second, by wary about shampooing your rugs and carpets, as shampooing without rinsing generally leaves an organic residue, along with unextracted soil. Further, during periods of high humidity, these residues absorb moisture from the air, forming an ideal food for fungus.

What Method?

So what’s left, you ask? Increasingly, experts who research indoor air quality issues recommend hot water extraction – above 130 degrees Fahrenheit – performed by certified professionals. This system removes some dust mites and insect skeletal remains and feces, along with dried fecal particles from our pets.

Because 70% of rug and carpet buyers have at least one pet in their homes (100% have insects), carefully performed extraction cleansing – done at least annually – is increasingly essential.

Although rugs and carpets are the major collection points for these contaminants, other household fabrics must be considered in your total cleaning program. The single-leading cause of unhealthy indoor air is poor maintenance.

Finally, who is the best qualified to provide professional, hot water extraction cleaning? I thought you’d never ask. Your best bet is to call a technician who has achieve the International Institute of Carpet and Upholstery Certification or who is a Certified Master Rug Cleaner. For more tips on selecting a professional cleaner, read my blog, “Selecting a Pro.”