Carpet Or Wood Floors For Allergies

Carpet has long been regarded as the enemy when it comes to allergies and asthma.

Carpet or wood floors for allergies.

For people with allergies and asthma carpeting can be bad news. 4 allergy considerations for carpet vs hardwood. To subscribe click here. Carpeting in the bedroom can be especially problematic because it exposes you to carpet dust throughout the night.

It naturally resists mold mildew and bacteria and is easily maintained like hardwood floors with a dust mop and appropriate cleaner. If you suffer from allergies use this guide to differentiate between the good the bad and the ugly when choosing new flooring for your home. Thick carpet heavy high pile shag carpets are the worst flooring options for people looking for relief from dust and other airborne allergens. It s the preferred flooring surface for homes in westchester county and the east coast.

Wood floor wood floors are hard the unique woodgrain will show in each plank and wood floors are normally going to appear some shade of tan or brown based on the type of wood and stain used. Those living with asthma or allergy symptoms have historically been advised to remove all carpet in the home because carpet traps allergens. The reason i say a well maintained old floor is because otherwise you may have cracks and gaps which can lodge a good amount of dust and dirt. A well maintained old wood floor or a new wood floor are the perfect choice for allergy sufferers.

Carpeting can be a reservoir for allergy causing substances allergens that trigger asthma. If you have carpet allergies you can either be allergic to allergens that get trapped in your carpet or the carpet itself or both. It will be worth taking your carpet to the laundromat. Better yet doctors prefer hardwood flooring options install ed inside their own medical offices to minimize the chance of infectious germs and bacteria spreading around.

Typical allergens that get trapped in carpet include pet dander. A great many reputable sources advise allergy and asthma sufferers to remove the carpeting. They are natural which limits the vocs eco friendly and easy to maintain for an allergy free floor for years. Unlike carpet hardwood doesn t trap allergens nor does it provide an environment for them to grow.

First published in allergic living magazine. Ask most allergists and they ll tell you. Hard surface flooring such as vinyl tile or wood is much easier to keep free of dust mites pollen pet dander and other allergens. According to the aafa asthma and allergy foundation of america hardwood floors are recommended for those suffering from both allergies and asthma.

From hardwood to friendly engineered planks stone cork and even retro linoleum our columnist explores the healthiest flooring choices.