Can Carpets Be Used in Bathrooms and Kitchens?

Advantages

• Carpets in kitchens and bathrooms offer some advantages. If you don’t like the look of vinyl or tile, carpet will be more aesthetically pleasing to you. With its layer of padding beneath, carpet in the kitchen provides a softer surface, which makes standing in the room for long periods while cooking more comfortable. In a bathroom, carpet is warmer beneath your feet in the winter time than hard surfaces. It eliminates the serious slip hazard that standing water on tile or vinyl presents.

Disadvantages

• When carpet is used in kitchens and bathrooms, it can lead to problems. In a kitchen, carpet can be stained and damaged by food spills. It is more difficult to sanitize and clean than hard surfaces. In a bathroom, carpet is at risk for water damage from spillover from tubs and sinks. Water damage can lead to mold growth on the surface and underside of carpeting. If urine spills on the carpet, it can lead to bacteria growth. Mold and bacteria are health hazards and can be difficult to remove from carpets.

Precautions

• You can take precautions to keep the carpet in a kitchen or bath clean and free from hazards. In a kitchen, keep cleaning supplies on hand so you can act immediately if there is a spill. In a bathroom, run the exhaust fan often to reduce humidity levels in the room. Put down washable rugs near the base of the toilet and the side of the bathtub to catch any spilled water or urine; launder the rugs often.

Considerations

• Carpet is only an option for bathrooms in residential homes; it is forbidden by building codes for use in commercial spaces. If you are looking for ways to reduce slip hazards in a bathroom, put down a machine-washable rubber-backed rug on a vinyl or tile floor. In the kitchen, gel or foam mats can provide soft places to stand when you are working at a counter. They are easier to clean and less expensive to replace than carpet.