Aug 09, 2021 | Flooring Canada
Those of us with allergies know that they are no joke. We all dread when springtime rolls around bringing with it a coat of pollen and the ever-so-triggering grass clippings, but 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.
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 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. In addition to regular vacuuming, seasonal carpet shampooing, steaming, and professional cleaning are great ways to make sure you are keeping your home and carpet allergy-free.
If you want to learn more about the best carpets for those with allergies or see some hypoallergenic options, stop into your local Flooring America. When you come to your local store, our experts will be happy to answer any of your questions and show you the options best for your specific concerns.