Carpets are standard in many homes and offices, and just like most furniture, flooring, or fixtures, they require care and regular maintenance. Various factors can contribute to carpet damage, most noticeably the weather. Snow, rain, and even the sun can cause damage to your carpets. Knowing what damage will happen in different types of weather is crucial to preserving your carpet’s life.
One type of weather not often considered that can cause significant damage is humidity. Humidity is the amount of moisture present in the atmosphere. This can happen in both hot and cold environments. The more water in a given environment, the higher the humidity. When the weather is humid, it’s recognisable. The air feels close and heavy, and sweat doesn’t take long to form. These are the indicators of a humid environment.
Humidity can damage your carpet in various ways, but you can take a few easy steps to protect your carpets and keep them looking fresh.
How Humidity Damages Carpets
Like rain or snow, humidity can be seasonal and often depends on the climate. If you can anticipate the seasons and prepare, you can preserve your carpets even longer.
- Humidity and Mould Go Hand in Hand: One of the biggest downfalls of humidity in indoor environments is the prevalence of mould. Because a humid atmosphere naturally has more moisture, it unfortunately becomes an almost too-easy habitat for mould to grow. Mould can cause permanent damage to your carpets and have a more severe impact on health. Allergies to mould include shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, and itchy eyes. Mould can cause various health problems and should be eliminated quickly to prevent further damage to you and your flooring.
- More Dirt, More Debris: Humidity can also affect how quickly your carpets get dirty. The moisture in the air can trap dirt particles rapidly, and debris will eventually fall from the air and into the carpets. This debris can range from dirt to bacteria to insects.
- Carpet Form is Affected: Humidity and temperature play a significant role in the structure of your carpets. During warm, humid weather, carpets can expand from excess moisture. When the weather is drier or cooler, these carpets can retract. This may leave ripples in your carpet, ultimately ruining the look and aesthetic of the room.
Australia is a diverse continent with multiple climates and environments, but many parts of Australia do fall prey to humidity. With the proper knowledge and planning, you can maintain your carpets.
Tips to minimise damage
Humidity can wreak havoc and have unforeseen effects on your carpets, but there are ways to help lessen potential damage.
- Keep a Dehumidifier in the House: One great way to help control the humidity inside your house or office is to keep a dehumidifier indoors. Dehumidifiers help manage humidity levels, which can fluctuate throughout the seasons. They also help lower humidity levels, which can cause cracked lips or dry skin. The optimal range is between 40-50%. Over 65% and the humidity may start to affect your carpets, or mould may begin to grow.
- Monitor Your High Humidity Spots: While all spaces are built differently, nearly every home or office space naturally has areas within that are ideal for humidity to thrive. Humidity, like mould, is more prevalent in dark, damp places without a chance for much airflow. Basements and bathrooms can often have high humidity. Any carpets in these areas should be regularly cleaned and monitored.
- Schedule Regular Carpet Cleanings: One of the best ways to protect your carpets and ensure quality care is to contact experts. Bring in a professional team for carpet cleaning to help ensure that any potential mould and dirt are removed with proper tools. The experts will also likely have advice to help you maintain your carpets between cleanings. Before calling, set yourself up for success by considering a few factors first.
- Choose cleaning times during cooler weather, as humidity usually tends to be lower.
- Keep your dehumidifiers running for at least four hours before cleaning for an optimal environment.
- If it’s already humid outside, try to keep windows closed to help manage the indoor atmosphere.
- Turn on any fans you might have to keep fresh air running through the house. Try to keep these fans running before and after the cleaning to help continue to circulate the air.
These simple steps will help ensure a better clean and a longer-lasting effect. After your professional carpet cleaning, be sure to continue to keep your humidifiers on and give extra attention to those high-humidity spots. This will help maintain your carpets even longer.
Be Sure to Bring in the Experts
Although not something we consider often, carpets are essential to the home. They provide a sense of aesthetic, and they are used daily. So, why not make sure they get the best care possible to ensure they last?
Using professional services guarantees a longer life for your carpets, saving you hundreds and even thousands in the long run. Be sure to visit Boas Cleaning Services for assistance with your carpet cleaning needs. Our experienced team of dedicated professionals have extensive experience in all types of cleaning services, including carpets, tile and grout, upholstery and more. We will happily provide you with exceptional service and leave your carpets looking like new.