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These pollutants – including asthma and allergy triggers – rise from floors and carpets into the air and are easily inhaled. Floors at local schools contain the highest concentrations of allergens in most buildings. Carpets are even more susceptible than smooth floors— which is especially concerning. Serious health issues are associated with indoor air pollutants. Along with aggravating asthma and allergy symptoms, poor indoor air quality has been shown to cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and headaches
More than 60 million Americans are suffering from asthma and allergies. Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) recommends that facility managers implement a number of interventions – including a focus on vacuuming – to help contain and reduce exposure to asthma and allergy triggers.
Following these vacuuming and floor cleaning best practices can help achieve exceptional air quality in commercial facilities:
Step 1: Build a Cleaning Foundation
It’s important to develop a floor plan that shows the areas receiving the heaviest daily foot traffic, so they can be prioritized for cleaning. Carpets should be deep cleaned at least twice per year. In addition, carpets should be replaced as specified by the manufacturer’s recommendations. Cleaning equipment should be properly maintained to ensure the best results.
Step 2: Use Correct Vacuuming Techniques
Vacuum both carpeted and hard surface floors frequently, with slow and repeated passes. Heavy traffic areas should receive a minimum of two vacuum passes per day. Clean floors faster by removing dry dirt with a vacuum instead of a dry mop before wet-mopping. Don’t forget to pay special attention to walk-off mats, which should be vacuumed at least once a day and professionally cleaned every few days.
Step 3: Choose the Right Tools and Features
Utilize hard-surface tools to clean hard-to-reach spots and cover a wider range of allergen-producing areas. Use high-quality HEPA-filter vacuums to thoroughly clean and reduce allergens. Some vacuums add particles and allergens back into the air, so make sure to use a vacuum that traps allergens as it removes them. Look for products with certifications to provide peace of mind.
Asthma and allergies in buildings are serious issues, affecting millions who spend large amounts of time indoors, It’s important to recognize that asthma and allergy triggers often come from floors and carpets. By taking strategic initial steps, using proper techniques, and utilizing the correct products, facility managers can know they are providing clean air quality through vacuuming and floor cleaning.
Reprinted from CMM Cleaning Maintenance and Management Magazine Oct. 2018