Logan Voss
Poor carpet is taken for granted and walked all over. If we didn’t know better, we’d think that someone was perpetrating a smear campaign against carpeting. Who would do such a thing? Well, the Big Hardwood lobby springs to mind, but the point is this: plush flooring has gotten a bad rap. We’d like to clear up some common misconceptions about carpet—it shouldn’t have to take this lying down.
Myth: Carpet Has Harmful Emissions
Some say that carpeting is made with formaldehyde that’s leaking into the air. Others say that VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are the source of “new carpet smell.” Well, the concern about formaldehyde was valid—until 1978, when it stopped being used. And carpet is one of the lowest VOC emitters in your entire house. It ranks lower than even your wall paint.
Myth: Carpet Is Hard To Maintain
Wrong! Vacuum it once or twice a week, steam clean it once every year and a half, and try not to dribble chocolate sauce on it. Doesn’t that sound easier than mopping, sweeping, stripping, waxing, buffing, and even sanding?
Myth: Carpet Fosters Mold
This isn’t true unless you’ve just had a flood. Mold and mildew can grow on almost any surface if moisture and humidity combine with poor ventilation. Carpet isn’t any more prone to mold than other flooring.
Myth: Carpet Worsens Allergies
This is one of the most common misconceptions about carpet because it’s confusing. People have been spreading rumors that carpets trap allergens, which keeps them circulating in the air. They’re half right and half wrong. Carpet does hold on tightly to airborne particles, but that’s exactly what keeps them out of your nostrils. Allergens can get stirred up by vacuuming, so it’s best to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA air filter.
Myth: Carpet Is Out of Style
False. While carpet rules supreme in cozy spots like bedrooms and family rooms, it’s also tip-toeing into more formal rooms. Designers say that carpet in 2021 has evolved with geometric patterns and jewel tones. People are craving comfort and indulgence, and nothing brings to mind a luxury hotel suite like a sumptuous, plush floor. Whatever look you’re after, you’ll find that the selection has expanded for every style and purpose.
