They might look cozy, but they can trap dust, dander, mould spores, allergens, and even harmful chemicals. Taking the time to remove your carpets can greatly improve your indoor air quality and create a healthier space for your family.
Individuals who are especially sensitive to mould must take extra care when removing carpet to minimise exposure. Proper preparation and thorough clean-up are crucial. It will be critical to ensure the professional removing the carpet is on board with these steps; otherwise, there could easily be a spread of contaminants through the home. I have a detailed step-by-step guide you can share with your removalist here on my website.
The aim is to effectively contain the space where the carpet is being removed, preventing dust, dirt, and mould spores embedded in the carpet and padding underneath from becoming airborne and spreading throughout the house during the removal process. Every step you take is focused on achieving this.
Carpets act like sponges, soaking up dust, pet dander, and various pollutants over the years. A recent study found that carpets can contain up to four times their weight in allergens and dirt (source). This buildup can lead to various health issues, especially for people suffering from allergies, asthma or are chemically sensitive.
If your carpet is over 10 years old, it's likely due for a replacement, not just for style but for health reasons. Some newer carpets have improved technology that results in lower VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions and fewer harmful chemicals.
Preparing for Carpet Removal
Preparation is essential for a smooth carpet removal process. Use this checklist to guide your efforts:
Remove all items that you can from the room, including furniture, curtains, clothing, personal items, books... everything that can be moved should be!
Cover and tape your ducts. If you have a ducted HVAC system, cover and tape all ducts so no pollutants find their way into the ductwork only to be blown out later. You can do this with some plastic and painter's tape. There are extra steps you can take at this stage if you are extremely chemically sensitive, asthmatic or allergic to dust, etc. These notes can be found in my carpet removal guide here
Vacuum the carpet before removal with a HEPA-bagged vacuum if you have one. See my notes below on why this is important.
Seal and tape up the doorway with zippers to stop the transfer of dust outside the room.
The Carpet Removal Process
With everything in place, it’s time to start removing the carpet. Here’s how you can do it safely and effectively:
Ensure that removalists wear protective clothing and booties to minimise the transfer of contaminants into other rooms.
Have the removalists place all carpet, padding and other debris into contractor bags and double bag. Seal them completely (especially if they need to be carried through the home) and dispose of them outside.
Once the subfloor is completely clear of all debris, use your HEPA vacuum to thoroughly clean the floor and ALL surfaces in the room, including window sills/door architraves, baseboards, and tops of closets.
Allow 24-48 hours for the floor to dry (if possible) before laying new underlay and flooring.
Disposing of Old Carpet
Proper disposal of your old carpet is vital, not only for your health but also for the environment. Carpets can take decades to decompose in landfills and may release toxins during that time.
Consider these responsible disposal methods:
Recycle: Many carpet retailers and manufacturers run recycling programs. Check local resources to see if recycling options exist in your area.
Donation: If your carpet is still in good condition, donate it to a local charity or a shelter that could benefit from it.
Disposal Services: Some waste management companies specialize in bulk disposal for carpets. Reach out to find out how to proceed with disposal correctly.
Maintaining New Floors
After your carpet removal and new flooring have been installed, maintaining cleanliness is vital. Regular care can help keep your new surfaces looking good and feeling fresh.
Frequent Cleaning: Establish a regular cleaning schedule. For hard surfaces, a damp mop and non-toxic cleaning solutions work best. Avoid cleaning products that produce harsh fumes.
Humidity Control: Keeping an eye on indoor humidity helps reduce the risk of mold growth. Aim for humidity levels between 30% and 50% for optimal comfort.
Area Rugs: If you love the feel of carpeting, consider adding washable area rugs made from natural materials.
The Final Thoughts
Removing old carpets is a key step toward creating a clean, safe, and healthy home. By appreciating the reasons behind and methods for carpet removal, you can make an informed decision that positively impacts your living environment.
Whether you install new flooring options or simply enjoy having a breathable space, your commitment to a healthier home will make a difference in your well-being and that of your family. Embrace this change and discover the healthier space that awaits beneath your carpets!
If you are at the stage of carpet removal and you are worried about contamination of your home from the chemicals and other nasties in your old carpet, I have a step-by-step guide that walks you through the process in detail, so you can share it with your installer or DIY. The link for that guide is here.
Notes on HEPA vacuum cleaners
Bagless vacuums are terrible for indoor air; when they are emptied, they release all the collected dust, etc., into the air. Also, having a HEPA vacuum means you capture all the particulates INSIDE the vacuum rather than blowing them around the air while cleaning.
It should be noted that vacuuming increases the amount of house dust mite allergens in the air for up to 20 minutes, this is why a HEPA vacuum is so important as it captures these allergens.
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