Harris Poll Reveals Negative Impact of Dirty Carpet in Airports

First impressions start from the ground up according to new research from Whittaker. The survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Whittaker March 26-30, 2020 among 2,012 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, found that a majority of Americans (93%) say dirty carpet with things like stains, animal hair or food residue in a facility would negatively impact their perception of that business/organization. Dirty carpet in an airport would negatively impact 52% of Americans’ perceptions of the organization. 

“Travelers are observant of the way airports maintain their interiors,” said Joe Bshero, director of technical services at Whittaker. “This research demonstrates just how important it is for these facilities to ensure a good first impression by properly maintaining carpet.” 

The survey also detailed which actions Americans would take as a result of encountering unkempt carpet. More than half of Americans (58%) would assume the facility is not clean, while 56% would look for an alternative facility to use/go to and half (50%) would spend less time in the facility. Additionally, 47% of Americans would tell friends, family or colleagues about the lack of cleanliness in the facility. These actions can gravely impact profitability and an airport’s long-term success. 

“A thorough carpet care program that utilizes low-moisture encapsulation machines and high-quality chemistry allows facilities to maintain consistently cleaner carpet,” added Bshero. “Not only does stain-free carpet look more welcoming, it has the power to help airports uphold their reputation and keep travelers returning.”