During the Covid pandemic, more importance than ever has been placed on not just keeping carpets clean but also free of pathogens.
The challenge with carpets is that bacteria and viruses like Covid can get trapped in it. While area rugs and upholstered chairs can be removed, it is usually too impractical and costly to remove and replace carpet with another flooring type.
Yes, carpet presents unique challenges. But the good news is that it can still be part of a healthy environment when cared for properly.
Here are some key points to keep in mind to ensure your carpets aren’t a source of Covid-related health problems for your staff and visitors.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting are not all the same thing.
Carpet cannot be disinfected, it can only be sanitized. This is because, unlike hard surfaces, there more places for Covid and other pathogens to hide in the porous fibers of carpeting. But the good news is that proper and professional sanitizing, done correctly, is highly effective at removing pathogens hiding deep within carpeting.
A key first step in sanitizing your carpets is a thorough cleaning. This will prevent viruses and other pathogens from evading you under layers of grime, dust and dirt.
This also involves removing other substances such as paint, grease and oil before a deep cleaning and sanitizing process.
The Right Vacuuming Process is Crucial to Covid-19 Protection
When it comes to Covid-19 protection, not any vacuum will get the job done. To remove this pathogen, a professional-grade, dual-motor upright vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system is what’s required.
While one motor focuses on creating powerful suction, the other is dedicated to turning the brush. This makes these vacuums highly efficient and effective.
HEPA filters not only capture and trap dust and allergens, they also make sure pathogens such as the Covid-19 virus are not released back into circulation.
Approved Sanitizing Products Kill Covid-19 and Other Pathogens
The right cleaning products are another key consideration.
For deep cleaning carpets, it’s important that the pre-spray used is certified under the Carpet and Rug Institute’s (CRI) Seal of Approval testing program. The pre-spray should have a Green Seal or equivalent certification.
In the cleaning process, it is also essential that the pre-spray be allowed to remain on the carpet for an appropriate period of time. The process should not be rushed. Timing is crucial.
To sanitize, only use a properly diluted product that is listed on the EPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2. The products on this list have been thoroughly tested to confirm their effectiveness against Covid-19 and similar pathogens.
This product should be used via hot water extraction while the carpet is still damp with the pre-spray.
Peace-of-Mind for Staff and Visitors
While clean carpets are always important, Covid-19 has increased awareness that regularly and professionally cleaning and sanitizing carpets is also essential for health.
Staff, visitors and customers are more aware than ever of their surroundings for the sake of their own health. If your carpets are dirty, grimy, muddy or stained, it signals that they are also unhealthy to those in your facilities.
That is why providing peace-of-mind for staff and visitors by keeping carpets clean and sanitized has become a priority for companies and facilities of all sizes, as well as homeowners.
You Will Appreciate the All American Difference – Guaranteed!
Professional cleaning and sanitizing will not only help your carpets look great and last longer. They will help keep them free of Covid and other pathogens to maintain a healthy environment and provide peace-of-mind for your staff and visitors.
Contact us today to set up a personalized carpet cleaning and sanitizing consultation for your Clarksville, Tennessee area business or home with an All American professional!
