Dirty Carpet Puts Campus Commitment to Health in Question

Survey respondents say dirty carpet negatively influences perception of a school

July 9, 2020

As colleges and universities set new hygiene standards and increase the frequency of their cleanings in response to the coronavirus pandemic there is one area they should not neglect—carpet care.

A new survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Whittaker Co. found that among more than 2,000 U.S. adults surveyed, 82% would take action after seeing dirty carpet at a college or university’s campus. Among this group, 48% would question the college or university’s commitment to student and staff health and safety.

Some of the actions survey respondents would take upon noticing dirty carpet include:

  • Complain to management (47%)
  • Assume the campus is not cleaned properly (42%)
  • Tell friends, family, or other students about the lack of cleanliness (35%)
  • Consider an alternate college or university to attend (21%)
  • Consider donating to an alternative college or university (14%).

Modern equipment can help facility managers and cleaning staff stay on top of carpet care in schools. Learn about the latest trends in carpet care equipment and tools.

Latest Articles

laptop graphic
July 17, 2026 Jeff Cross

AI in Hiring: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What Employers Need to Know

July 16, 2026 Sponsored by Optisolve

New Technology Platform Targets the Hidden 90% of Cleaning Budgets

July 15, 2026 Ronnie Phillips

Redefining the Restroom Experience Through Functional Modernization

Sponsored Articles

New Technology Platform Targets the Hidden 90% of Cleaning Budgets
July 16, 2026 Sponsored by Optisolve

New Technology Platform Targets the Hidden 90% of Cleaning Budgets

July 7, 2026 Dr. Rebecca Bascom & Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner & Dr. Omrana Pasha-Razzak

Evidence-Based Cleaning Ensures Healthy Places and Spaces

July 2, 2026

D.A.R.E. to Clean Restrooms Smarter with Tornado

Recent News

norovirus

Diarrhea Outbreak Expands

Legionnaires’ Disease Cases Grow in NYC

Most Americans Worried About Impact of Power Outages