Let’s face it: we’re all feeling a little grimy after the last few months. COVID-19 has brought so many changes and concerns about health and hygiene. On top of that, the whole family has been home for weeks on end. That means more spills, more dirt, more stress. We’re washing hard flooring and sanitizing surfaces like crazy. But what about our carpets and upholstery? How can we get them really clean post-quarantine?
Does the Coronavirus Live On Carpet and Upholstery?
The good news is, soft surfaces like carpets and upholstery are less inviting to viruses like COVID-19 than hard surfaces. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the virus can live for several days on metal surfaces like doorknobs. But evidence suggests it doesn’t survive as well on fabrics and other porous surfaces like carpet. The downside is that carpet fibers do tend to trap dirt and germs and are harder to clean thoroughly than hard surfaces. Carpet is a magnet for dust mites and pollen that can cause problems for folks with allergies and other conditions. So routine professional cleaning and disinfecting is a good idea under any circumstances. In the fight against COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control recommends removing “visible contamination” from carpets and other soft surfaces and cleaning with appropriate antimicrobial products.
How Can I Get Rid of Germs in My Carpet?
There are a few simple steps we can take to keep our carpets clean and reduce germs on a routine basis:
- Take your shoes off before walking on a carpeted area. Or choose an extra step and leave shoes on the porch or in the mudroom before coming into the house.
- Use a HEPA filter in your vacuum. A high-efficiency particulate air filter traps dirt and microscopic particles. It keeps them from being sucked back out of the vacuum and into the air. HEPA filters can permanently remove airborne particles that make us sick.
- Get a professional cleaning using EPA-approved viral pathogen antimicrobial treatments twice a year.
How Can I Clean My Upholstery Effectively After COVID-19?
Think about how much time you’ve been spending on your couch this spring. On top of the usual dirt, grime, pet hair, and food, we’re more concerned than ever about germs. It’s probably time to give our favorite comfy furniture a deep clean. Here are some tips for keeping your upholstery clean:
- We can wipe down many upholstery pieces with a sponge or soft cloth and a manufacturer-recommended cleaning product regularly.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture with a HEPA filter, and be sure to get into cracks and crevices.
- Include upholstery in your semi-annual carpet cleaning
Can Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Help After COVID-19?
With all the craziness of quarantine, maybe you missed this year’s spring cleaning. A professional cleaning every six months is a good idea every year. But in the wake of COVID-19, deep cleaning with approved products and high-tech equipment can bring peace of mind. At Loudoun Carpet Care, we’re well-known for best practices and attention to detail. Our professional team uses EPA-approved products and top-notch equipment to get your carpet and upholstery clean.
Loudoun Carpet Care offers both steam cleaning and hot water extraction for carpet and upholstery cleaning. Steam cleaning uses very hot water converted to steam and is excellent for killing germs in your carpet. Hot water extraction uses a cleaning solution followed by hot water, then sucks everything up to remove dirt. It’s a terrific option for removing spots and stains. We use specialized EPA-approved solutions for disinfecting and sanitizing.
Finally, we understand that welcoming service providers into your home requires trust. Our employees take great care with social distancing and cleaning equipment between uses.
Now more than ever, our signature commitment to quality, thoroughness and attention to detail makes Loudoun Carpet Care the best choice for a spotless, sanitized carpet.