Carpets and rugs, better than their reputation

27 april 2023

In the collective imagination, textile floor coverings, such as carpets and rugs, often have the reputation of causing or amplifying certain respiratory allergies or of being dust nests. However, as we will see, this is not the case.

Do carpets cause allergies?

YES/ NO

Carpets and rugs have long been – and sometimes still are – accused of being environments conducive to the proliferation of dust mites and of being unhealthy coverings for our homes.

This is not the case! Take a close look at the diagram below. It comes from a study conducted by the Swedish Statistical Central Bureau. It was found that the number of people with allergic symptoms in Sweden tripled between 1975 and 1990, while more than 70% of the bedrooms that had been carpeted, have seen the carpet being replaced by hard flooring during the same period.

Do carpets promote the dispersion of dust in the air?

YES / NO

This is also an erroneous belief, because carpets, rather than spreading dust, will actually retain it.

This picture made by one of our suppliers (Desso Airmaster) shows that textile coverings retain fine dust particles and prevent them from becoming airborne in the event of a gust of wind or when they are stepped on.

Do carpets collect dust more easily?

Yes, but/ NO

On a floor with a smooth surface (parquet, tiles, linoleum….), dust is stirred up by the slightest draught caused by a door opening or the simple passage of a person. These air currents accumulate the dust in small packets under beds, behind sofas or behind doors.

On a carpet, the dust is dispersed evenly over the entire surface. Drafts produce only little dispersion of dust in the air, because the dust remains trapped in the textile fibers. However, just because the dust is concealed does not mean that you should vacuum less often, the frequency of vacuuming is the same as with a smooth floor.

Carpets are not hygienic?

YES and NO

It is true that the idea of walking on a textile floor with shoes in public places, such as hotels or offices, when so many other people do the same, is not very appealing. However, in many hotels, restaurants and offices carpet or carpet tiles are the first choice.

We offer entrance mats or doormats -which trap the majority of dirt and moisture from shoes before entering an area.

The stains are hard to get out.

YES and NO

Not all stains are equally serious. That’s why it’s important to take into account the material of which a carpet is made and to consult the manufacturer’s instructions before choosing and correctly applying a cleaning product to a carpet.

Carpets are not ecological

Well, it depends.

Carpet manufacturers have made a lot of ecological and technological efforts in recent years. Here are some examples of the progress made:

• Making carpets from recycled materials, such as fishing nets (e.g. econyl) or from natural fibers;

• Manufacture of carpet tiles to be laid on the floor without glue. The absence of glue makes it easier to recycle them, which is part of the circular economy;
• The use of carpet tiles means that only the damaged tile(s) can be replaced in the event of an incident (such as a spilled coffee cup on a light-colored carpet), and not the entire covered surface;
• Some manufacturers have designed mats that further reduce noise levels and improve acoustics, which is especially valuable in spaces with large open spaces.

Carpets are not modern

YES / NO

This statement, which is sometimes heard, does not really hold true because there are as many different carpets as there are design styles.

By the way, do you know about custom-made rugs? By choosing the material, the dimensions, the finishes, the shape, the colors: you can create the totally personalized carpet.

Conclusion

Carpets and rugs give a noble and warm aspect to a decoration, they bring an extra comfort in all those rooms (living room, bedrooms, children’s rooms) where we like to create an atmosphere that invites to “cocooning”, and moreover they keep warm to the foot.

If you have a doubt to choose the type of carpet which will bring the “final touch” in your living room, establishment or office, if you do not know which type of fiber to choose? Contact us, we are carpet pros (and many other things) since 1994.