Dust on the baseboard where the carpet joins the wall is a common occurrence in homes with HVAC systems. Known as filtration soiling or ghosting, these black lines seem as though they materialize out of thin air. In a way, that’s exactly what happens.
Reasons for Dust on the Baseboard
In the same way the HVAC filter works to remove pollutants as air passes through the system, the carpet acts as a filter in which millions of particles in the air become trapped. These particles include wood-burning fireplace ash or soot, smoke, pollen, pet dander, pollution, gas fireplace emissions, burnt food smoke, fine dust and soil. Filtration soiling happens most often at the wall-to-floor joint and creates unsightly black rings, which can be quite noticeable, especially on light-colored carpet.
According to an article in Home Energy Magazine, two things are necessary for black rings to appear: particulate matter and an air handler. Air is often cycled through the house via dirty air ducts that may be leaking due to improper installation, lack of annual maintenance, or tears. When the affected air is pulled into the HVAC system, it is passed through the system’s air filter, conditioned and routed to each room. The filter does not remove all contaminants, and the force of the air handler pushes the array of particles against the carpet and other surfaces.
With frequent vacuuming, the particles can be removed from the major portion of the carpet. However, the area near the wall where the floor and baseboard meet does not get the same level of suction and cleaning as the middle of the floor does. Most traditional vacuum cleaners are not equipped to properly clean the thin edge of the carpet that borders the walls. If there is an edge attachment on the vacuum, it usually provides minimal suction and is not capable of picking up these embedded particles.
Getting Rid of Dust
There are several options available for addressing the removal of dust on the baseboard. Keep in mind that the longer the rings are unattended, the more difficult it will be to remove the particles. Over time, the particles adhere to carpet fibers and penetrate the carpet pile and backing. Frequent cleanings are necessary to remove particles while they are still near the surface. Here are some steps you can take to prevent these black rings from sullying your floor:
- Seal cracks in the subfloor.
- Seal the seam under baseboards.
- Have the carpets professionally cleaned using a soil remover designed for filtration soil.
- Vacuum frequently, and use a crevice tool to reach the area near the wall.
- Have air ducts inspected for tears, holes or improper joining of air duct sections.
- Have air ducts cleaned by a professional HVAC company to help prevent future filtration soil buildup.
To prevent black rings in your McDonough home, contact Reliable Heating & Air. They provide the type of checks, updates, repairs and maintenance necessary to keep your system properly tuned and efficiently running.
Image source: Flickr