Debunking Carpet Myths: Healthy Flooring Choices in Northern Michigan | Kiss Carpet

At Kiss Carpet Design Center, we often hear concerns about carpet from homeowners in Traverse City, Mancelona, Harbor Springs, and across Northern Michigan. Many myths persist, but science from the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) and recent studies show modern carpet is one of the best flooring options for comfort, indoor air quality, and durability—especially in our cold winters and lake lifestyles.

Carpet traps dust, pollen, and allergens, keeping them out of the breathing zone until vacuumed away. Properly maintained carpet improves air quality, adds insulation, and provides softness underfoot.

8 tips to improve indoor air quality
Dust and Vacuum Regularly to improve indoor air quality.

Top Carpet Myths Busted (Backed by CRI Research)

Here are the most common misconceptions—and the facts:

  • Myth 1: Carpet harms health or indoor air quality. Modern carpet has very low VOC emissions—one of the lowest among furnishings. VOCs dissipate quickly, often within 24 hours. CRI’s Green Label Plus program ensures the lowest-emitting products.
  • Myth 2: Carpet causes mold and mildew. Mold grows only with excess moisture and poor maintenance—on any surface. Control humidity and fix leaks to prevent it. Carpet isn’t the culprit.
  • Myth 3: Carpet worsens allergies or asthma. No scientific link exists. Carpet acts like a filter, trapping allergens (like dust mites and pollen) and reducing airborne particles. Regular vacuuming with a CRI Seal of Approval vacuum removes them effectively.
  • Myth 4: Carpet is a sink for allergens. Yes, it holds allergens—but that’s good! It keeps them from floating in the air you breathe. Vacuuming refreshes this filter-like effect.
  • Myth 5: Carpet is hard and expensive to maintain. Weekly vacuuming and occasional professional cleaning suffice. Hard surfaces often require more frequent (and costly) sweeping, mopping, stripping, and waxing.
  • Myth 6: Carpet isn’t eco-friendly. The industry excels in sustainability, with recycling programs, low emissions, and reduced waste. Many carpets now use recycled materials.
carpet ready to be recycled
It’s easy to overlook the intricacies involved in the act of carpet recycling

 

Carpet traps allergens for easy removal—improving indoor air quality. Regular vacuuming removes trapped allergens effectively.

Sources of poor indoor air quality
Vacuum often. Take off your shoes before entering to limit dirt.

Why Choose Carpet from Kiss Carpet Design Center?

As your family-owned flooring experts in Northern Michigan since 1986, we guide you to the best options—no pressure sales. We offer low-VOC, high-performance carpets that align with 2026 trends: warm tones, textured styles, and sustainable materials.

Visit our showrooms in Traverse City, Harbor Springs, or Mancelona. Or contact us today to shop from home. Let us help you create healthy, beautiful floors you’ll love for years.

–Ken Roberts, Owner