Most will agree that a clean and tidy space improves mood and helps prevent illness, this sentiment only increased during the pandemic. In the workplace, the ICSID estimates a 2-8% productivity increase in workers, the majority of which prefer to work in a clean work environment. It may also positively impact workplace culture and employee behavior.
How Dirty Carpet Impacts the Work Environment
With carpet - a material that tends to cover much space - cleaning can’t be neglected when it comes to high foot traffic areas. Fortunately, learning how to properly maintain carpet will preserve it for years, thereby saving annual cleaning costs.
This is due in large part to human presence and enclosed space. Infection from airborne illnesses in enclosed environments can be curbed with proper ventilation. Professional carpet cleaning services may also do the trick. However, it’s important to tackle the problems at the source and prevent dirt and debris buildup.
How Carpet Impacts Health
Carpets are often cleaned to maintain their appearance, lift dirt and stains, and preserve an overall healthy environment. However, the lesser-known consequences of poorly maintained carpets are often overlooked.
Carpets - due to their fibrous and porous nature - tend to not only absorb pieces of debris, hold on to odor, and retain tough stains, but they will also trap pollutants. This can vary given its location, but carpet generally collects allergens like pet dander, dust mites, and pesticides. More harmful pollution includes lead, mold spores, and chemicals. These things cause a distinct odor, which affects mood and concentration, thereby decreasing productivity.
Considering carpets in high foot traffic areas such as an office, illness is bound to spread more easily. Mold, in particular, can go unnoticed, as it may be occurring underneath the carpet. Massive mold growth is considered unsalvageable and must be discarded and replaced immediately. It can cause respiratory issues, affect immunocompromised individuals, and might be the source that’s producing allergens.
Tips to Prevent Carpet Pollution Buildup
Companies can cut cleaning costs by establishing healthy behaviors in the office:
It’s not the biggest issue, as debris can easily be collected and removed. However, it’s a great rule for smaller businesses to either create a mandatory space for lunch or suggest eating out to reduce pieces of waste, stains, and dirt absorbed into the carpet, upholding hygiene standards in the workplace.
The presence of mold will increase company cleaning costs but can be avoided early on with proper care. On average, mold takes around 3 days to form and spread. Dehumidifiers will control moisture and scatter pollutants suspended in the air. This makes it easier to breathe and will decrease the likelihood of mold in the future.
- Watch Out for Water Damage
When it comes to carpet, it can be difficult to clean thoroughly and eventually must be replaced. Once the source of the leak is identified and handled, consider special industrial vacuums, carpet shampoo treatments, or certain heavy-duty carpet sprays that prevent bacteria buildup and mildew.
- Stick with Routine Cleaning
A successful business is a business that’s tough to manage, which means cleaning is ultimately at the back of everyone’s mind. Some businesses find it helpful to hire part-time help, however, it’s always good to find dry steam cleaning services to thoroughly clean not just the carpet, but other flooring materials in the office.
Carpet is a catch-all material often overlooked for the widespread health problems it can cause, which only increases in enclosed spaces and high foot traffic areas. It's important to clean carpets routinely and take simple measures to increase the longevity of carpets, reduce illness, improve concentration in the office and protect productivity simultaneously. Trust Bayside CBS to get the job done right! Schedule your free quote today.
