Carpets and Vacuum Cleaners (PDF)
This information sheet provides information on how to avoid asthma attacks when in contact with carpet or vacuuming.
· Carpets need to be regularly and thoroughly vacuumed.
· Carpets should have short pile since long pile carpets hold more dust.
· Carpets can be wool or synthetic.
· If dust mite allergy is a problem, then removing carpets from the home may be the best option.
· Polished floorboards need to be damp dusted regularly since dry dusting simply spreads the dust around.
· There is no scientific evidence that any one type of vacuum cleaner will eradicate the dust mite.
· Vacuum the mattress and any upholstered furniture weekly
· Expose floor rugs to sunlight after vacuuming.
· When purchasing a new vacuum cleaner ensure that it has an adequate dust filtering system.
· The person with asthma should try to avoid doing the vacuuming. However if this is unavoidable, weekly vacuuming should be performed with the windows and doors open.
· After vacuuming, leave the house and allow the dust to settle for a half and hour or so before re-entering.
· Wet and steam cleaning removes mites from carpets more readily than vacuuming but research suggest that it only improves it by two thirds and the residual water left from the cleaning may promote fungal growth.
· If affected by dust mite allergy it might be useful to wear a dust mask when vacuuming.
· A central ducted vacuum system allows for easy dust removal. The dust does not recirculate back into the room whilst vacuuming which can happen when using conventional vacuum cleaners. The central ducted vacuum system utilises an external dust collection point that requires only infrequent emptying and eliminates re-circulation of allergens into the home.