Is it the hair or the dander that causes allergies?
The dander. The AAAAI's page on pet allergies says: "There is a myth that pet allergies are triggered by animal hair, but they are actually caused by a protein found in pet skin (or dander), saliva and urine." Hair carries dander, which is why hair matters, but a carpet that looks hair-free can still hold the allergen. Its advice for the home includes "clean carpeting frequently, or opt for wood, tile or linoleum flooring" and a HEPA air purifier to trap dander.
How should carpet be vacuumed in a pet home?
| What | How | Why |
|---|---|---|
| How often | Weekly at least; every few days with a heavy shedder | The CRI: "vacuum carpet more frequently to capture pet hair and dander" |
| The vacuum | A HEPA filter, or a central vacuum vented outdoors | Health Canada advises both for dust and allergens |
| The speed | Slow passes, in two directions | Hair wraps into the pile; one fast pass leaves most of it |
| The edges | Crevice tool along baseboards and under furniture | Hair drifts to the edges where the beater bar never reaches |
| The favourite spots | Extra passes where the pet sleeps and lies | Those spots carry the most dander and oil |
The CRI line is from its tips for homes with pets; Health Canada's is from its dust and dust mites page.
What gets hair out that a vacuum leaves behind?
Friction. A rubber-bladed squeegee or a damp rubber glove dragged across the carpet in short strokes rolls embedded hair into clumps the vacuum can then lift; it is slow but works well on stairs and the edges of rooms. A lint roller does the same on small areas. These are common household methods rather than anything from the sources above. On stairs, where hair collects in the corner of every step, see how to clean carpeted stairs.
What does a professional clean add?
The base of the pile. Dander, skin oil and fine hair settle below where a household vacuum lifts well, and pet lying spots darken with oil over time. A deep clean by hot water extraction rinses the full depth and extracts it. It does not make a carpet allergen-free: the AAAAI's own advice includes hard flooring as an option for people with pet allergies, and that is a fair choice to weigh. The full picture for allergy homes is in carpet, dust mites and allergies.
How often should a pet home have the carpet cleaned?
Every 6 to 12 months, which is the short end of the range the carpet makers give; the CRI's general advice is 12 to 18 months. A home with an allergic person and a pet belongs at the very short end. See how often to clean carpets and prices.
Get a free carpet cleaning quote
Tell us which rooms, how many stairs, and about any pets or stains. We reply within one business day, by phone or email, and the quote is agreed before anyone starts.