Can Old Carpets Make You Sick

In all history, there has probably never been a more prominent focus on cleanliness and hygiene as there has been in the last few years. But while the world goes crazy over trying to prevent Covid, there might be nasties lurking much closer to home and your carpets could be to blame. If you’ve been having some unexplainable symptoms then you might not realise it, but the issue could be right beneath your feet. But is it really true or just an old wives’ tale? Can old carpet make you sick?

Carpet in itself cannot make you sick, regardless of how long it has been laid. Provided it is kept clean, it should be fine. However, problems occur when poor hygiene is displayed and in this case, your carpet becomes a breeding ground for all kinds of things like dust mites, bacteria, mould and many others. 

It is one or a combination of these things that could trigger illness and unusual symptoms in even the healthiest of people. If you suffer from allergies, your carpet may be packed with allergens that are causing a spike in your symptoms. In this guide, we will be looking at the risks of old carpet and how you can keep it as fresh as possible and therefore improve your health. 

Allergies And Asthma

For people who suffer with allergies or common respiratory conditions such as asthma, having an old, dirty carpet is a huge no-no. You see, it is so easy for dust and allergens to become trapped in the carpet and then you are breathing them in every time you’re in that room. 

One of the most common allergens is pete dander. These are flakes of loose skin that fall off in the same way that humans shed skin. They’re minute and probably go largely unnoticed but over time, dander can build up in the carpet and it is this that often causes an allergic reaction. 

Another common allergen is pollen and while you could be forgiven for thinking that it won’t affect the inside of your home, that’s a common misconception. Even something as seemingly innocent as an open window can allow the wind to carry pollen in and it may settle in your carpets. If you suffer from hayfever, you may notice that you start sneezing and sniffling. 

For those with asthma, it’s imperative to have a clean, dust free home. While different people are triggered by different things, most asthma sufferers will have problems where dust is concerned. This happens when the body is exposed to the allergen and reacts to try and protect itself. For asthma and allergies, this is an overreaction but can cause severe symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, coughing and in the worst cases, a full blown asthma attack which can be fatal if not treated.

If you do have asthma, keeping your carpets clean is a must but it is also important to replace them every few years as even cleaning isn’t guaranteed to remove everything. Furthermore, choosing a low pile carpet is best as it becomes more difficult for the allergens to become trapped in the short, tight fibres.

Related Article: Does Vacuuming Damage Carpet

How Old Carpets Affect The Immune System

Did you know that having an old, dirty carpet could affect how well your immune system functions? Your body is constantly working to fight off infection and disease and for the most part, your immune system will chug along nicely without you even noticing. 

However, when you are living in a home with filthy carpets, your body is having to put in some extra miles to stay healthy. This puts an incredible strain on your immune system and just like anything else, this added pressure can reduce its effectiveness. This means that it may not be as easily able to fight off other things, resulting in your becoming ill more often.

If there are babies or small children in your home then it’s even more important to make sure that your carpets are clean. Children at this age are always in contact with the floor and the last thing you want is for their immune systems to work any harder than they need to. 

Mould And Fungi

Another thing that can build up in your carpets over time is mould. This probably isn’t something you would think about unless you can see it but mould isn’t always fluffy, green or black. The spores are tiny, almost as small as pollen so can fall into your carpet without you noticing. If the carpet is left unclean, these can develop into more severe mould and if you have a mould allergy, this only spells trouble.

You likely walk around your home barefoot without even thinking about it but with old carpets, this could lead to a nasty fungal infection such as Athlete’s Foot. Not only is this incredibly uncomfortable but it is also contagious and will quickly spread around the family.

Carpets that are old, dirty and especially damp are far more prone to fungi development so it’s essential to take good care of them. 

How To Prevent Problems With Old Carpets

The most obvious way to prevent problems with old carpets is to keep them clean. We recently wrote a guide on how often to vacuum your carpet and this is a great place to start. Of course, you will also need to make sure that you regularly have your carpet cleaned as this will get deep down into the fibres and remove stubborn dirt. 

Of course, nothing lasts forever so there will come a point where you have to replace your old carpet. Generally speaking, a carpet should last between five and fifteen years depending on the quality and how heavily used it is. 

Conclusion

Having an old carpet won’t necessarily make you sick but if it is not cleaned and well maintained then problems may follow. It’s important to regularly vacuum and clean your carpets to avoid things like trapped allergens, dust mites and mould, among other things. Over time, your carpet will naturally wear and gather so much unwanted stuff that it will need to be replaced.