Some people react with greater sensitivity than others to the pollutants and dander that gets stuck in the pile of carpet.
It’s pretty hard to get every speck of dirt out of a carpet, but you can try.
The fact is, you’re probably not vacuuming often enough. Vacuum your carpeted floors every day if you can—or at least every other day without fail. A carpet is a catch-all for dirt, hair, dust, bugs and other nasty stuff that can waft back into the indoor air you breathe every time you take a step.
Invest in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter that won’t blow the allergens and pollutants it sucks up back into the air. And call a carpet-cleaning pro once a year for a deep-cleaning extraction of particles that might be lingering in the pile.
Most carpet manufacturers have come out with “healthier” versions of carpet and padding that don’t off-gas as much as traditional new carpets. But they’re no better than standard carpets at keeping themselves clean.
So if you’re ready to replace your carpet, consider laying an easy-to-clean hardwood or tile floor instead.