The Carpet and Rug InstituteNeglecting Carpet Care Creates Instant Problems

Contact: CRI Communications Department, 706.428.2103

By Werner Braun
For News USA

April 9, 2002, DALTON, GA - (NUI) - Over the last few years, there have been numerous misconceptions about mold, mildew and the role that carpet plays in it all.

The truth of the matter is that mold and mildew exist only where there is excess moisture and dirt coupled with poor cleaning and maintenance habits. Keeping carpet clean and dry is important in a healthy home.

Mold growth can occur on any surface - from windowpanes to carpet to hardwood floors - that is not properly maintained and where moisture is extreme. Eliminating sources of excessive moisture, such as water leaks, and controlling humidity greatly offset the potential for mold to grow.

To this end, a good way to start your war on allergens is by vacuuming. Heavy traffic areas should be vacuumed on a daily basis, while light to medium traffic areas need only be vacuumed once or twice weekly. Doing so will extend the life span of the carpet and keep its appearance fresh while improving the quality of air in your home or office.

While regular vacuuming will go a long way to ensuring that you are living or working in a clean environment, it is only part of a good cleaning regimen. By following a few other tips, your home or office could be mold- and mildew-free. Here are some ideas:

  • Pull on those rubber gloves and be prepared to get tough on mold. When cleaning mold on hard surfaces, use a solution of one part household bleach to four parts water. Open windows while you work and wear a mask or filtered respirator.

  • Clean and disinfect wet, warm areas - such as kitchens and bathrooms - weekly to stop mold growth.

  • Smooth floors should be vacuumed, dusted and wet- mopped weekly. When sweeping, take care not to circulate dust from the floor into the air.

  • Vacuum upholstered furniture regularly and clean hard furniture with a damp cloth. A damp cloth should be used on window treatments, windowsills and window frames, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and storage units as well.

  • Check your vacuum. The Carpet and Rug Institute has initiated a voluntary testing program that identifies vacuum cleaners that have been evaluated by an independent testing lab and have met the carpet industry standard for soil removal, dust containment and carpet appearance.

Werner Braun is president of the Georgia-based Carpet and Rug Institute. For more information on carpet care and cleaning, visit www.carpet-rug.org.