We all know that carpets are soft and comfortable underfoot, add a beautiful look to rooms, and help reduce noise levels. But did you know that they also provide many health benefits? The fact is, that when regularly cleaned, carpets can actually improve your family’s health and well-being. This is because clean carpets can trap allergens and other particles that would otherwise become airborne and be inhaled.

Moreover, they can even help to prevent the transmission of viruses, including flu and colds. This is particularly true when it comes to non toxic carpet made of natural fibers such as wool, cotton, hemp, and jute, which have been treated with eco-friendly, plant-based cleaning solutions and dyes.

As a result, they can significantly reduce the amount of dust and dirt that is kicked up by the feet of people, pets, or children. This in turn helps to reduce the presence of odors in your home. Bad odors are not only annoying, but they can also have a negative impact on your mood. Regularly vacuuming your carpets as well as using an odor-reducing carpet cleaner can go a long way in eliminating bad odors from your home.

Lastly, carpets and rugs can help to decrease the risk of falls in the home or in public spaces by providing more traction than hard surfaces. This can be especially important for seniors and those with mobility issues, as slipping and falling can lead to serious injuries.

To further enhance your family’s health and safety, opt for carpets with a natural, safe felt padding underlayment instead of the traditional rebond pad (bonded urethane). This type of padding is made from recycled products and contains no harmful plasticizers or flame retardants, such as PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), which has been linked to several health conditions. Small children are at particular risk from ingesting PBDE that is released into the dust of old carpets, as it can find its way into their faces and bodies.

Additionally, choose a carpet with a jute backing and an antimicrobial treatment, such as quaternary silsesquioxane, which can inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. This is especially important for damp areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Ensure that your carpets are installed without the use of adhesives, as these are typically made from toxic chemicals such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane. If this is not possible, try to find an installer that can use AFM 3 in 1 – a nontoxic carpet glue.

When choosing a Healthy Carpets, check to make sure that it is made in the United States and consists of high quality European wool, natural latex, or jute. Those that have a non toxic, biodegradable bind, such as Nature’s Carpet, should be glued down with a jute/wool carpet glue or a natural latex. It is also a good idea to avoid carpets with stain-resistant treatments that contain PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances), as these have been linked to a variety of health problems.