Upon resumption, the relationship between carpets and indoor air quality has never been more important

Caring for indoor air quality in corporate and commercial environments is not a new routine for the facilities community. However, when employees gradually return to offices, even during the new Coronavirus pandemic, this care takes on new relevance, as it is the responsibility of the facilities to create safe spaces for those who resume work in person.

Harvard University research shows that reducing airborne microparticles harmful to human health can reduce serious complications of COVID-19. Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized an alert that the scientific community had been making for some time: the transmission of the new coronavirus through the air.

This means that when it comes to maintaining the health and safety of occupants, Quality Air Inspection (QAI) must be a priority for facilities.

Carpets and QAI

Carpet acts as a filter, absorbing dust, hair, pollen, debris and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, without regular cleaning, these particles can be transported by air and start circulating indoors.

The contact of bacteria and pollutants with the employees’ respiratory system increases the possibility of developing allergies that can result in coughing, wheezing, eye irritation and asthma. And that, even before the symptoms of COVID-19 got into the mix.

Keeping carpet sanitized not only creates a pleasant and aesthetically appealing space, it can also mean the difference between a healthy workforce and one more vulnerable to diseases that drive absenteeism and affect productivity.

Four steps to help employees feel safe returning to face-to-face work

If you are responsible for ensuring the cleaning and sanitization of commercial and corporate spaces, pay extra attention to carpets and other porous surfaces such as partitions and upholstery. In addition to maintaining the health of the occupants, this care results in the maintenance and extension of the useful life of these surfaces.

See the four mandatory steps to improve indoor air quality in your environment and help employees feel safe.

Deeply sanitize textiles using a dry system

In addition to routine vacuuming, consider hiring professional technicians who specialize in cleaning carpets with dry polymers and not by wet extraction. Water-based cleaning not only wastes energy and resources, it can also leave carpets slightly damp and more likely to generate mold and develop unpleasant odors. Compared to wet extraction methods, dry-cleaning carpet puts less stress on the fibers reduces typical air pollutants and downtime by up to 99%, leaving carpets ready to use, almost immediately.

Leave the dirt outside

Do you have any idea how much dirt people bring into your space every day? Invisible residues that enter through the door, brought by the soles of shoes and spread, imperceptibly, throughout the environment. Imagine, now, how much you could save on cleaning your floor and specifically your carpet if it were possible to reduce this dirt, without interfering with the flow of people.

Communicate often and clearly

People working in your facility may not realize how important clean carpeting is to overall health, especially at a time of concern about COVID-19. Sharing information about why you are making carpet cleaning a priority to improve QAI will build trust and transparency between you and employees.

Establish carpet cleaning frequencies.

Each area of   your carpeted space has a different traffic flow and pattern. Appropriate frequencies must be mapped for vacuuming, spot cleaning, deep cleaning and restorative cleaning. For your info, Carpet Cleaning Barkingside can help by working with you to determine cleaning and sanitizing times and solutions for all environments. Also, other porous surfaces, such as fabric-covered partitions and upholstered furniture, can be evaluated, providing feedback on how to prevent these items from getting so dirty that they release, rather than collect, pollutants.