1. Keep Walkways and Entries Clean - Start by keeping outside sidewalks, entry areas, porches and steps clean. Sweep, dust, vacuum or use
a leaf blower to remove soil and debris from entries to eliminate tracking into the facility.
2. Use Mats to Trap Soil at Entries - Exterior and interior mats to trap and contain particles and moisture should be placed at each entry. This
not only extends the life of the carpet, but it also greatly reduces the quantity of particles that enter and build up in traffic areas, eventually
becoming airborne.
3. Clean Shoes at Entries - Studies conducted by professional engineers on carpet dust samples indicate that fine particles containing lead are
reduced by cleaning or removing and leaving shoes at the entry.
4. Purchase and Use High-Quality Vacuum Equipment - A high-quality, durable upright vacuum with brush agitation is a must. Price is not
as important as quality here. Check trade or consumer magazines, and expect sales persons to provide technically accurate information.
Avoid door-to-door sales tactics. Also check the Carpet and Rug Institute’s list of vacuums that are included in the Green Label Program at
www.carpet-rug.com.
5. Use High-Efficiency Vacuum Filter Bag - The use of high-efficiency (HEPA-type) double-lined vacuum filter bags that filter out 99% of
particles down to one micron or less in size is highly recommended. Avoid cheap, paper filter bags that remove particles down to seven microns
only. Small particles that easily pass through paper filter bags are a major source of respiratory irritation, as well as household dust.
6. Vacuum Frequency - Increase the frequency of vacuuming before soils sift downward and become embedded in the carpet pile. Vacuuming
should be done more slowly in entry areas where most particle soils accumulate. Traffic areas should be passed over slowly two or three
times. Periodic use of vacuum unit attachments or a canister vacuum to remove accumulated soils from entries and along baseboards also is
recommended.
7. HVAC Filters - Use high-quality reusable electrostatic filters for HVAC systems. These filters have acrylic rods that vibrate and create a
static electricity that charges soil particles, thereby attracting them to the filter. Anticipate a cost of $50 - $100 for high-quality filters. These
filters should be removed and flushed free of collected soils on a monthly basis.
8. Have Carpet and Upholstery Cleaned by a Professional on a Regular Basis - Professional cleaning compounds lift and suspend fine particles
of soil. Then, careful extraction using hot water flushes them from carpet fibers. The objective of professional cleaning is to remove the
maximum amount of soil (anything foreign to the construction of the fiber) with the least damage to the fiber. Specify a cleaning technician
who is a member of the SCRT and certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (800-835-4624).
9. Clean Other Soft Surfaces - Clean drapery, bedding and other fabric surfaces. Wash linens weekly.
10. Control Moisture and Humidity - Dust mites and mold are the two most common allergens present in higher-humidity climates. According
to studies conducted at Wright State University, dust mite infestation will be eliminated if the relative humidity of the building, not just a
particular area, is maintained below 50%. Molds, which are classified as fungi, require humidity of 70% or higher and a food source of
organic-based material to grow. Cooler surfaces, which may have a relative humidity near 100%, create a perfect breeding area for mold. By
reducing and maintaining the relative humidity of a structure below 50%, both dust mite infestation and mold growth will be prevented.
Ten steps to a cleaner, healthier environment - a small investment for such a big return in indoor environmental quality.