Article Number : 2968 |
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| Date | 2/11/2008 8:51:10 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=2968 |
| Abstract | Vancouver, Wash.—A recent survey by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) found slightly more than eight out of 10 U.S. homeowners (81%) feel their family’s health is directly related to their floor’s cleanliness... |
| Article | Vancouver, Wash.—A recent survey by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) found slightly more than eight out of 10 U.S. homeowners (81%) feel their family’s health is directly related to their floor’s cleanliness. Notably, 75% of respondents perceive carpet to be the least effective type of flooring in minimizing conditions that aggravate allergies. Twenty-six percent view wood flooring as the most effective for improving indoor air quality (IAQ). “Homeowners are often misled in believing carpet itself irritates indoor allergies,” said Jeff Bishop, IICRC technical advisor. “However, scientific studies demonstrate just the opposite is true; carpet actually traps airborne allergens which can easily be vacuumed out…[as opposed to the] irritants being stirred up and released into the breathing zone. Airborne dust, not the carpeting, is the culprit that triggers indoor allergies.” The “You’d Be Floored” survey, commissioned by the IICRC over the fall, polled 1,155 homeowners throughout the country about issues related to flooring and floor cleanliness. One-third (33%) of respondents said someone in their household suffers from indoor allergies. Among those with allergy sufferers, half agree the type of flooring can be attributed to allergies. Three out of four (75%) said they vacuum their floors at least once per week, and those with children are more likely to vacuum several times per week (47% among those with children and 32% among those without). When it comes to deep cleaning their carpet, almost half of the homeowners (49%) do so at least every six months, with 39% hiring a professional carpet cleaning service. While nearly half of those surveyed (45%) deep clean other hard surfaces in their home at least every six months, only 7% hire an outside professional. Additional Key Findings: • Carpet is the most common floor covering in U.S. homes. The majority use it in bedrooms (80%), living rooms (65%), offices/dens (68%) and family rooms (63%). • The majority (52%) of survey participants indicated the primary advantage of carpet is it’s comfortable. Forty-one percent said the biggest drawback is it shows soil. • Among homeowners who replaced their carpet, 49% did so because of wear, while 40% said it was due to soiling and staining issues. • Nearly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. homeowners have rugs in their homes. • Nearly half (49%) of U.S. homeowners are not aware if their cleaning products are environmentally safe. • 58% of homeowners are likely to purchase green cleaning products. • 63% are concerned cleaning products may be made with chemicals that can be hazardous to their health; 21% are extremely concerned. • Half of U.S. homeowners say it’s extremely or very important to hire a professional cleaning service that is certified by a professional organization. • On average, U.S. homeowners have an annual budget of $197 for cleaning and maintaining their floors. Specifically, 25% budget between $100 and $199, 22% between $200 and $499 and 22% have no budget. Just one in 10 have an annual budget of $500 or more. • Most homeowners who hired cleaning professionals depend on referrals from friends (69%). Cost (38%) and quality of workmanship (32%) are key criteria. For more information about the survey, call 360.693.5675. |