Residential and commercial facilities face the same question: How often should I clean my floors and furnishings? How much is too muc —or too little? While many of us prioritize environmental sustainability in other areas, do we consider cleaning’s role in the ecological impact of the furnishings we select and how we maintain them? And what is the actual environmental effect of cleaning—or not
cleaning?
This question can be answered in two parts: the frequency and the process of cleaning, and the environmental impact of discarded furnishings that have not lived out their full lifecycle.
The Importance of Cleaning Frequency and Process
Cleaning frequency and process directly affect indoor air quality in your home or business. Poor air quality means living and working in a polluted environment filled with allergens, dust, and pollutants. Soft surfaces like carpets and upholstery act as filters, trapping these contaminants and keeping them out of your breathable zone. However, without proper cleaning, these pollutants remain, compromising the air you breathe.
Carpets are particularly effective at hiding dirt, with one square foot capable of holding up to a pound of soil before it becomes visible, according to the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI). If you can see dirt, your carpets are already filthy. Regular cleaning, much like changing HVAC filters, is essential to maintaining a healthy environment.
Effective cleaning solutions and methods are key to addressing these issues. Professionals follow the principle of cleaning gently yet effectively to avoid damaging fibers. A reputable service provider uses environmentally friendly, low-VOC cleaning solutions and proven methods like restorative hot water extraction. Certification is crucial—ensure your provider is IICRC-trained and a CFCRA member.
Environmental Costs of Neglect
Neglecting cleaning and maintenance shortens the lifespan of furnishings, leading to premature disposal. Let’s examine some statistics to understand the impact:
While Canadian statistics are hard to source, it is known that the U.S. carpet industry produced 14.6 billion square feet of carpet in 2019, with an annual growth rate of 4.5%. While recycling initiatives are improving, a significant portion of old carpet is not sustainably discarded. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 3.5% of landfill material in the U.S. is carpet and rugs—equating to 4 billion pounds of waste annually.
Most installed carpet is made of synthetic materials like nylon, polypropylene, and polyester—petroleum byproducts with backings of latex or PVC. These materials either degrade slowly in landfills while producing oil bioproducts, or they are incinerated, releasing harmful emissions that surpass that of coal. Many carpets are replaced within 5–10 years, far below their intended lifecycle.
Steps Toward a Greener Future
Here’s how we can minimize the environmental impact of our furnishings:
- Dispose Responsibly: When replacing flooring or furnishings, research local recycling and
disposal options. - Maximize Lifespan: Maintain your furnishings to achieve their full lifecycle.
- Choose Sustainable Materials: Opt for natural, renewable, and recyclable fabrics and textiles.
- Use Quality Protectors: Protect textiles to extend their lifespan (stay tuned for more on this
topic in my next article).
Facility managers often claim insufficient operational budgets for maintenance, while upper management freely spends capital budgets on premature replacements. This approach contradicts commitments to sustainability. If corporations are serious about green initiatives, they must rebalance capital and operational investments to prioritize maintenance over replacement.
Our societies economic system thrives on a disposable mentality. The EPA reports that the U.S., with 4% of the world’s population, produces 12% of its trash. The average American generates 4.4 pounds of waste daily compared to the global average of 2.6 pounds. A shift toward buying quality furnishings and maximizing their lifecycle is a genuinely green approach.
Cleaning Guidelines
Here are practical recommendations for the frequency of restorative hot water extraction cleaning:
Residential:
- Carpets: Clean every 12–24 months.
- Furniture and Area Rugs: Clean every 2–3 years.
Frequency depends on warranty requirements, household factors (kids, pets), and environmental sensitivities. Don’t forget to change HVAC filters regularly and clean ducts every 2–3 years.
Commercial:
Cleaning schedules vary based on usage, flooring type, and traffic. A comprehensive plan should include:
- Matting: Use high-quality mats at entrances and high-traffic areas.
- Dry Soil Removal: Regularly vacuum and remove loose debris.
- Low-Moisture Maintenance: Address high-traffic areas to prolong their lifespan.
- Restorative Cleaning: Periodically perform hot water extraction to reset and restore the space.
In both residential and commercial settings, invest in quality furnishings and partner with qualified professionals for maintenance. Proper care balances the cost of upkeep with the cost of premature replacement.
If you’re committed to a greener lifestyle, maintaining and enjoying high-quality furnishings for their full
lifecycle is a crucial step.
Watch for my next article, where I’ll discuss: To Protect or Not to Protect—What is the Green Effect?
Kevin Casey
The Cleaning Guy Inc.
35 Years of Industry Experience
IICRC Master Cleaner
Board Member, CFCRA