One of the main culprits when it comes to food waste is dust mites. These microscopic arthropods thrive in the perfect habitat created by spilled food and inclement weather in your carpet. Dust mites feed on anything from leftover food to pet hair, dander, and skin flakes. Unfortunately, they can trigger a number of serious respiratory problems, including allergies, asthma, and rhinitis. The problem with dust mites is that they are difficult to detect due to their small size. They are estimated to be only 1/4 to 1/3 millimeters long, making them almost invisible to the naked eye. Even under a microscope, they only appear as small white spider-like creatures.
Dry vacuuming alone won’t be enough to pick up dust mites. To completely rid your carpets and rugs of these unseen pests, Carpet Tech recommends their hot water extraction process, which deep cleans and disinfects. By eliminating dust mites from your carpets, you can reduce the risk of respiratory problems and create a healthier living environment for you and your family.
Apart from dust mites, food waste also attracts bacteria. In fact, the average home carpet can contain as much as 200,000 bacteria per square inch. Among these bacteria, there are various illness-causing strains, including norovirus, E. coli, and salmonella. These pathogens have the potential to affect your and your family’s health. Norovirus, commonly known as the stomach flu, can cause digestive problems and is highly contagious. Salmonella, which can be brought into the home on the bottoms of shoes, can easily become airborne as people walk across the contaminated carpet. This bacterium is known to cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. It poses a greater risk to young children and elderly adults.
To ensure the cleanliness and safety of your home, it is recommended to not only deep clean your carpets but also consider air duct cleaning. Salmonella and other bacteria can become airborne and circulate through the air vents, posing a threat to the entire household. Carpet Tech offers air duct cleaning services to help eliminate bacteria and maintain a healthier indoor environment. It is especially important to keep your home clean and disinfected during these times of heightened awareness about viruses and bacteria.
Even if a surface looks clean, there could still be hidden pathogens lurking on and below the surface. To accurately measure the cleanliness of a surface, Carpet Tech offers ATP testing. This system measures the amount of microbes on a surface, with a higher measurement indicating a more contaminated surface. By conducting ATP testing, you can gain insight into the cleanliness of your home and take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.
In addition to regular carpet and air duct cleaning, there are several other steps you can take to minimize food waste and maintain a clean living environment:
1. Clean up spills immediately: Whenever food is dropped or spilled, make sure to clean it up promptly. Wipe down surfaces and vacuum any debris to prevent attracting pests and bacteria.
2. Properly store leftovers: If you have leftover food, store it in airtight containers and refrigerate it promptly. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria and prolong the freshness of the food.
3. Dispose of trash regularly: Make it a habit to empty your trash can on a regular basis. This will prevent odors and discourage pests from entering your home in search of food.
4. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands before and after handling food to reduce the spread of bacteria. Also, make sure to clean and sanitize kitchen utensils and surfaces regularly.
5. Vacuum regularly: Regularly vacuum your carpets and rugs to remove any food particles or debris that might have accumulated. This will help create a cleaner and healthier living space.
By following these practices, you can minimize food waste and create a cleaner and healthier home environment for you and your family.
In conclusion, it’s important to pay attention to the food that doesn’t make it to your mouth. Food remnants can attract dust mites, bacteria, and pests, posing health risks and damaging your home. By taking preventive measures such as deep cleaning your carpets, conducting ATP testing, and implementing proper hygiene and storage practices, you can maintain a clean and healthy living environment. Remember, a little effort goes a long way in keeping your home free from the negative consequences of food waste.