Hard Floors Vs. Carpet Debate

Are carpets considered healthier than hard floors for a facility because they trap dust and dirt?

Numerous studies have shown that carpet traps soil and allergens that settle to the ground, so they cannot be kicked back into the air and inhaled. The downside is carpet that is not properly maintained can turn into a “dust sink,” able to hold more than its weight in soil. Consistent vacuuming with a high-filtration commercial vacuum is key to reaping the health benefits of carpet, so it doesn’t become a nesting place for soil and allergens. — Jeff Stone National Channel Manager for BSCs at ProTeam, Boise, Idaho


No, carpets are probably not as healthy as hard floors due to the fact that they are harder to keep clean and often not maintained properly. They also don't show dirt like hard floors so there is less pressure to maintain them; whereas hard floor looks terrible when it’s dirty so it’s often maintained better. That being said, carpet can be kept to a high standard of cleanliness with a proper carpet maintenance program. — Gareth Mason, President at NaceCare Solutions, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Carpet has been shown to hold dirt, dust, bacteria and other soils better than hard floor. Once in the carpet, they tend not to get kicked up from foot traffic. It is not certain that carpet is either healthier or not as healthy as hard floors. — Bob Abrams, Group Product Manager at Nilfisk-Advance, Plymouth, Minn.

It depends on the level of cleaning and maintenance. Some say that carpets are healthier because they trap dirt, dust and allergens, keeping them out of the air that we breathe. Others say smooth floor surfaces are easier to clean thoroughly. — Dalvin Green, Sanitaire Business Development Manager at Sanitaire Electrolux, Peoria, Ill.

Are facilities switching to carpets rather than hard floors? Which types of facilities and for what reason are they switching?

I see the trend in many facilities going the other way, from carpet to hard floors, right now. Many schools and retirement facilities are moving to hard floor due to ease, and overall cost of maintenance. — Gareth Mason, President at NaceCare Solutions, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Trends change over time with regard to the use of carpet versus hard floor. For example, a trend is toward hard floor in retail facilities. But at the same time, there has been a trend for some time toward use of carpet in long-term care healthcare facilities. The Carpet & Rug Institute tracks carpet sales trends, and where the changes in trend are. — Bob Abrams, Group Product Manager at Nilfisk-Advance, Plymouth, Minn.

Carpet versus hard floor decisions depend more on the market segment and cleaning frequency. Office buildings will have carpet, while healthcare facilities tend to have hard surfaces.
— Dalvin Green, Sanitaire Business Development Manager at Sanitaire Electrolux, Peoria, Ill.