Efficiency of Vacuuming for the Removal of Cat Allergen (Fel d 1) from Worn and Unworn Wool Carpets of Different Construction

Abstract

Exposure to cat allergen (Fel d 1) has been associated with immune responses and exacerbation of asthma. As such allergen can accumulate in carpet, we sought to determine the influence of carpet pile conformation (loop vs. cut) and degree of wear on the levels of Fel d 1 present before and after different cleaning processes. Tufted wool carpets of different construction were loaded with house dust and artificially worn, before being either dry or wet vacuumed. Using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay to determine Fel d 1 levels at each stage, we showed the efficiency of Fel d 1 extraction from unworn (but soiled) carpets to be high, and to differ little with pile conformation or cleaning method. However, efficiency of removal decreased as the carpet became more worn, in which state wet vacuuming also proved slightly more effective than dry vacuuming. Therefore, if seeking to minimize exposure to cat allergen in a carpeted environment, in addition to established Fel d 1 avoidance techniques, implementation of a regular cleaning regime is desirable and consideration should also be given to removal of any heavily worn carpets (preferencing replacement with constructions of high wear resistance).