What is the best flooring for asthma and allergy sufferers?

What is the best flooring for asthma and allergy sufferers?  Around one in three of us in the UK, 21 million people, live with allergies and 8 million with asthma. If you are a sufferer, or live with one, you want your home to be as healthy as possible in order to reduce allergens.

What to consider

In the home, there are three common triggers to be aware of.  Firstly, there is the house dust mite which thrives in humid conditions.  It is their droppings which can cause reactions in those who suffer from asthma, eczema and hay fever.  Whilst you cannot entirely get rid of them, you can easily reduce the risks by regular ventilation of rooms and washing all bedding at a high temperature.  If you have carpet in your house, it is essential that you have a regular schedule of vacuuming (twice a week at least) with the right vacuum.  It is also a good idea to have them cleaned on a regular basis as well.

You want to avoid having any mould in the house, which can be common in damp environments like bathrooms and kitchens.  It produces tiny spores which are a trigger for asthma and eczema.  Again, ventilation is key and keeping the rooms as dry and clean as possible, including hard to reach areas like behind cupboards.

Household pets are the third common trigger, and they can also carry airborne allergens.  Regular and very thorough cleaning is the best defense, from vacuuming to dusting.  It is best to choose carpet carefully if you have pets and suffer badly from allergies, and consider keeping them out of any rooms that do have it.

Regular and rigorous cleaning is so important, but also consider the cleaning products that you are using.  Non-toxic ones are the best for anyone who sufferers from allergens, and you should also request non-toxic if you are having your carpet professionally cleaned.

The flooring that you choose makes a huge difference, and there is a good range of hypoallergenic options to pick from that are easy to keep clean and as free of allergens as possible.

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What is the best flooring to choose?

Solid wood is one of the top flooring choices for allergy sufferers as it does not harbour dirt, dust mites or other allergens. It is natural, eco-friendly and easy to keep clean.  It is important to also keep it as dry as possible so that mould does not have a chance to grow.  Many types of hardwood are compatible with underfloor heating if temperature is an issue, and a wool area rug is perfect for added warmth.  For a timelessly elegant floor that is hypoallergenic, wood is a popular, long lasting choice.

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There are also many other options for a hypoallergenic floor if you don’t want wood or if you want a more budget friendly option.  Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) with a built in anti-bacterial surface is a great alternative and easy to clean.  This durable flooring is also slip and spill resistant, has excellent soundproofing qualities and has warmth, making it a great choice for family homes.  An added benefit is the wide range of design options so you can have a realistic look of natural stone or wood in an affordable price range.

Laminate flooring is another option, the best type for allergy sufferers is the higher end anti-bacterial laminate.  Easily maintained, hypoallergenic and stain resistant, it is also comfortable underfoot as it has shock absorbent qualities.  It does not absorb moisture which means no mold or bacteria can grow.  Scratch and dent resistant, this is also ideal for busy family homes and for achieving a realistic wood, ceramic, or stone look.

Can I still have carpet?

Carpet is still a good option if you suffer from allergies or asthma, but it is wise to be more careful when choosing the material it is made from, as you want it to be hypoallergenic.

Wool is a natural, (and also eco-friendly) option, which has hypoallergenic properties.  In addition, it absorbs common pollutants which improves air quality in the home, and is resistant to bacteria, mould and mildew.  When properly maintained, it is beneficial to a healthy home.  As it lacks moisture, dust mites cannot thrive in it and as most wool fibres are too long to be inhaled, it is not an irritant.  For a soft, natural choice which always feels luxurious underfoot, a wool carpet or rug is a great choice and looks stunning.

Synthetic carpets, which use man-made fibres, are also good. Short cut pile is the best as allergens will not be able to build up in the carpet as much.  Nylon is a common fibre used to manufacture synthetic carpets, which has mould, mildew and dirt resistant qualities.  It is easy to clean, so irritants can be quickly removed by vacuuming.

Hypo-allergenic carpet underlays are worth investing in, as they reduce the amount of allergens.  These are also available with moisture resistant qualities.

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Whatever you’re looking to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs. Contact us here or book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!

 

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