Jul 10, 2024 | Flooring America
Those of us with allergies know that they are no joke. While we love the warm weather, we dread when the wind kicks up a coat of pollen or those ever-so-triggering grass clippings. However, we often overlook allergies that live inside our homes year-round. The most common indoor allergies are dust, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and cockroaches. Some people think that having carpet in their home would only worsen their allergies, but in reality, there are some options that work great. The key is learning which carpets are best for those with allergies.
Hypoallergenic carpets are specially designed to minimize the presence of allergens in your home. These carpets are made from materials that resist dust, mold, and other allergens. They are easier to clean and maintain, ensuring fewer allergens are trapped within the fibers. For allergy and asthma sufferers, hypoallergenic carpets can be a game-changer, allowing you to enjoy the comfort of carpeting without the discomfort of constant sneezing and itchy eyes.
Many homeowners wonder if removing carpet altogether is the best solution for allergies. While hard flooring options like hardwood or tile can reduce allergen buildup, they aren't always the most comfortable or visually appealing choice. Instead of completely eliminating carpet, choosing the right type of hypoallergenic carpet can provide a balance between comfort and allergy management.
When it comes to choosing the best flooring for allergy sufferers, there are a few key factors to consider. Let's take a look at some of the top tips on choosing the right hypoallergenic carpet.
Despite being a natural fiber, wool has hypoallergenic qualities, making it an excellent option. Plus, wool carpets improve the air quality by absorbing common airborne contaminants such as cleaning chemicals or cooking fumes. Wool is a very dry material and has coil-shaped fibers, making it hard for dust mites, bacteria, and mold to survive on it, which is excellent for those with allergies.
Synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester are great options for allergy-prone homes. Although nylon carpets can be more expensive than other types of carpets, it is durable, easy to clean, and considered to be the most effective anti-allergy carpet on the market. The synthetic blend of fibers that make up nylon carpet is resistant to mold growth and pollen. Polyester is a synthetic material, like nylon, that is an excellent option for those with allergies. It is less expensive than nylon, but in turn, not as durable. It is also important to note that both fibers are hypoallergenic, making them the perfect option for allergies.
Although lush, long pile, soft carpeting is often quite alluring, it isn’t the best option if you are trying to avoid common household allergies. Instead, opt for a short pile carpet or carpet with tightly woven fibers, making it harder for allergens to grow and get caught. Plus, shorter piles and tighter weaves are easier to keep clean.
Carpet underlay is thin padding placed underneath the carpet that creates comfort and prolongs the life of your carpet. Underlay can be made from various materials such as foam, cork, rubber, jute, or felt. Although you won’t see this layer, it can easily trap common household allergens. We recommend opting for a synthetic underlay material treated with an anti-microbial agent.
Keeping your home clean is super-important if you suffer from allergies, and the same goes for keeping your carpets clean. Nothing's worse than dirty carpets, so in addition to regular vacuuming, we recommend hiring a professional carpet cleaning company to do seasonal carpet shampooing and steaming. This is a great way to ensure that your home and carpet are allergy-free.
If you want to learn more about the best carpets for those with allergies or see some hypoallergenic options, visit your local Flooring America. Our experts will be happy to answer any of your questions and show you the flooring options best for your specific concerns. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect flooring solution that meets your needs and enhances your home's comfort.
