When I tell people that I'm removing the carpet from my living room and hallway and replacing it with ceramic tile most the reactions are surprised and many people where I live are off-put by this idea; I am off-put by carpet!
As anyone who religiously reads my blog knows... so one person, I have dogs. Right now I actually have 3: two of my own, and a foster. Dogs are worse than kids about staining carpets, especially if they aren't potty trained or get a UTI which causes them to pee inside! My foster has a UTI and I'm not sure she was potty trained to begin with so the old carpet that was in great condition when we bought our house is now kinda yucky in the living room and hallway!
Con 1: Carpets stain easily
Con 2: Carpets absorb and harbor nastiness like dog pee and vomit
Con 3: Mites, Fleas, Ticks, and Lice all will live in carpet
Con 4: Carpet holds dirt and allergens in its fibers
Those four carpet cons were just the ones I thought of off the top of my head relating to my dogs, but lets continue shall we? How about carpet and our health?
Here is an excerpt from the American Lung Association:
How can carpeting impact health?
Carpets may trap pollutants like dust mites, pet dander, cockroach allergens , particle pollution, lead, mold spores, pesticides, dirt and dust. Toxic gases in the air can adhere to small particles that settle into carpets.1 These pollutants may become airborne when disturbed by renovations, vacuuming or even daily activities like walking across the carpet. In the home, children are more likely to be exposed to pollution in carpets. They spend time playing on the floor and place their hands in their mouths. If a large area is covered in carpet, it may be very difficult to remove indoor air pollutants and allergens.2
Chemicals used in some new carpets, carpet pads and the adhesives used to install them can harm your health. Some of these chemicals and glues are made with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emit odors and pollutants.3 New carpet installation also has been associated with wheezing and coughing in babies in their first year of life.3
Con 5: Carpet is UNHEALTHY
Con 6: Carpet has a relatively short life span, 10 years TOPS often shorter due to stains.
Hardwood and Tile can last MUCH longer!
Overall I'm not a fan of carpet after reading how it was unhealthy. I'm not a health nut but after TTC for two years I want to bring our baby into a healthier atmosphere... so we are keeping carpet in bedrooms ONLY and keeping the dogs OUT! We also have a steam cleaner though I may have to invest in a HEPA vaccumm!
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