Cleaning Carpets for Occupant Health

If facilities cut back on vacuum frequencies and deep cleanings, what are the effects on occupant health?

Asthmatics and those with allergies respond to triggers in the environment. If the air is not adequately cleaned with a high-filtration vacuum, pollen, dander, dust and other pollutants can concentrate in the air, posing an ongoing health risk. Unfortunately, sensitive occupants may not immediately make a connection from their discomfort to changes in the maintenance routine.

It is up to maintenance managers to open a dialogue with building occupants first. When cutting back on vacuuming frequencies, do so in slow increments while gathering data from building occupants to be sure health and comfort do not deteriorate. — Jeff Stone National Channel Manager for BSCs at ProTeam, Boise, Idaho


Assuming the vacuum being used is a quality commercial unit with proper soil recovery and filtration, a reduction in vacuuming will definitely negatively
impact the indoor air quality in the facility. — Gareth Mason, President at NaceCare Solutions, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada



Dirt and allergens within the fibers can irritate the health and wellbeing of people who suffer from allergies. — Dalvin Green, Sanitaire Business Development Manager at Sanitaire Electrolux, Peoria, Ill.