The majority (82 per cent) of Americans would “take action” after seeing a dirty carpet at a college or university, and nearly half of that group would question the school’s commitment to students and staff if its carpet care was not adequate, according to a new online survey by The Harris Poll.

Conducted on behalf of Whittaker from June 18 to 22, the survey asked more than 2,000 U.S. adults their opinions surrounding carpet care in post-secondary institutions.

“As many colleges and universities prepare to welcome students back to their campuses this fall, it’s important to review cleaning procedures, including carpet care,” said Joe Bshero, director of technical services at Whittaker, in a statement. “Clean carpet not only supports good indoor air quality, it gives staff, students, and visitors a positive first impression.”

Forty-seven per cent of those who said that they would take action after seeing dirty carpet at a college or university reported they would complain to management, while 42 per cent would assume the campus is not cleaned properly. More than a third (35 per cent) would tell friends, family, or other students.

The results indicated that dirty carpet may also impact enrolment and funding. Twenty-one per cent of those who would take action also said they would consider attending an alternative college or university, while 14 per cent would consider donating to another educational institution.