With summer fast approaching, most are thinking about the family vacations they can take with the kids out of school, the incredible activities the warm days and long daylight hours can bring, and the summer fun that is had. Few think about how the summer months impact our carpets. But if you can know how the summer affects your carpet ahead of time, you can prevent the potential harm the summer months can do to your carpets. We at Carpet Care 2000 would like to share some of the most impactful aspects dangers the summer months bring to carpets.
How Summer Affects Carpets
1) Summer Sunlight. Most enjoy the extra hours of day the summer brings, but the sunlight being so potent during the summer causes an increase in color fading on your carpets. When the color fades, it makes the carpets look worn and even dingy. The UV rays damage the carpets and they eventually lose their color. It is a gradual effect and most don’t even notice the transition until months or even later when they move furniture around to see the comparison. To avoid the carpet’s color from fading as well as the UV damage keep your windows cover during the hours the sun is directly shining through. Utilize blinds, curtains, UV film covers, and/or drapes to offer the carpets more protection. Additionally, every 6-12 months consider rearranging the furniture around to even out the wear from the sunlight exposure.
2) Excessive Foot Traffic. The summer months often increases the foot traffic traipsing across the carpets. The kids are home all day and you are likely to get more guests. With the additional foot traffic, the carpet is taking on more abuse in the summer than it does the rest of the year. With the kids home or grandkids over more often, the to and fro adds up. To help manage the dirt and debris being tracked in, place a walk-off mat at the entry and exit points and encourage everyone to wipe their feet. Periodically, clean these mats off. Place an indoor mat on the inside of these entry points as well and likewise, keep them clean often. Vacuum more frequently and consider enforcing the “no shoes” rule on the carpets.
3) Potential Mold Growth. Summer heat and humidity, even in the dry climates, produced from rainstorms, can encourage the microscopic mold spores to take seed and grow. Mold can grow easier during the summer months and the carpets often host microbes such as bacteria, mold spores, and mildew. Whether kids playing in the pool or even the sprinklers, the summer rain, or the natural humid climates introduce enough moisture to the carpets, the mold and mildew can spread. Unfortunately, mold also prefers the dark, so the likelihood of it growing beneath carpet is high, giving it opportunity to cause excessive damage before it is discovered. Contain the moisture the best you can. Make the little ones stay outside until they are dry or immediately up to the showers after water activities. If any water makes contact with the carpets, promptly do what you can to absorb as much as the liquid as possible with a dry towel and be sure the windows are completely closed when the summer storms move in.
4) Allergy Agents and Insects. The summer months frequently motivate the insect life to be most active the allergens are often at their peak. The carpets can easily harbor allergens and tiny insects that are inadvertently brought in on the bottom of shoes, on our pets, and so many other circumstances. To minimize the unwanted guests, keep the carpets vacuumed and the walk-off mats in place. Ensure the air filters are changed frequently, the landscaping is well manicured, and you inspect the pest regularly.
Move In & Out Carpet Cleaning Services & More in Tracy, Livermore, San Ramon, Dublin, Mountain House, Walnut Creek, Danville & the East Bay of California
Keeping your carpets gorgeous is no easy feat, but with Carpet Care 200 readily available to give your carpets a deep comprehensive carpet cleaning, your carpets can survive the summer months. Call us today to schedule your carpet cleaning to ensure the carpets are free from mold, allergens, soil, insect life, and stains.