From the well-being of residents to the peace of mind of their families, cleanliness and hygiene contribute significantly to the overall quality of care in Perth aged care homes.
As a potential hotspot for germs and allergens, as well as a risk factor for slips and calls, the proper maintenance and care for carpets becomes integral when considering the safety and health of residents.
Bacteria and infection management
In an aged care home where your residents’ health is of paramount importance, maintaining impeccable hygiene is non-negotiable. Elderly individuals often grapple with compromised immune systems, rendering them more susceptible to illnesses.
Carpets, while cosy, can also be unwitting hosts to dust, dirt, bacteria, allergens, and even pathogens. Dr Charles Gerba, a microbiologist and professor at the University of Arizona, conducted a study which investigated germs collected on footwear. Participants of the study averaged a staggering 421,000 units of bacteria on the outside of the shoe, and 2,887 on the inside.
Some of the bacterium types found on the shoes included E. coli (Escherichia coli), known to cause intestinal and urinary tract infections, meningitis and diarrheal disease; Klebsiella pneumoniae, which can cause wound and bloodstream infections as well as pneumonia; and Serratia ficari, identified as causing infections in both the respiratory tract and wounds. Regular cleaning of aged care home carpets is an essential proactive measure that curbs the spread of infections among vulnerable residents that can be tracked in on the shoes by both workers and visitors.
Minimising allergens
In addition to bacteria, aged care home carpets are known to harbour dust mites, pollen, and other allergens thanks to their plush fibres. These irritants can not only compromise air quality but also exacerbate discomfort for elderly residents suffering from allergies or respiratory issues like asthma.
At PetraClean, we use backpack vacuums fitted with HEPA filters. A High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter, better known as HEPA, is a type of filter that can trap a large number of very small particles that other vacuum cleaners would otherwise recirculate back into the air.
Vacuums that use HEPA filters are considered superior because they minimize dust, skin cells, hair, and other particles that can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions.
Odour management
From incontinence to food spills and everything in between, aged care facilities can be susceptible to less than pleasant odours. Carpets, with their absorbent nature, can inadvertently trap smells, making a professional clean all the more important.
PetraClean’s USA-manufactured truck mounted carpet cleaning unit boasts a high-pressure, industrial-strength vacuum pump to ensure a clean that goes beyond the surface-level and eradicates odours at their source. In addition to our truck mount carpet cleaner, PetraClean uses a range of cleaning products suitable for use on all carpets and fabrics, including biodegradable carpet shampoo and a range of spot cleaning products.
Prevention of slips and falls
Safety is a top priority in aged care homes, where many residents live with mobility issues. Dirty or soiled carpets can pose a significant risk of slips and falls, potentially leading to serious injuries.
By maintaining your carpet’s integrity through professional cleans, you can help to safeguard your residents’ well-being and reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Extending the lifespan of your carpets
And finally, carpets are expensive investments. Regular deep cleaning for high traffic areas in your aged care home, and annual cleaning for other areas, is essential in maintaining the durability of your investment. After all, it’s a lot cheaper to regularly clean your carpets than it is to replace them.
How often do my aged care facility carpets need to be cleaned?
For high traffic care facilities, PetraClean recommends a professional clean every six-months to promote hygiene and protect carpet appearance.
For more information, or to book in your carpet clean, contact us today.


