Is Hardwood Better For Allergens

First published in allergic living magazine.

Is hardwood better for allergens. Some types of flooring can make allergy problems worse but others can reduce indoor allergens. Those living with asthma or allergy symptoms have historically been advised to remove all carpet in the home because carpet traps allergens. They advocate tearing out your investment in carpeting and replacing it with hardwood floors for the sake of your health. Hardwood is widely known to be the best flooring for asthma and allergies.

To subscribe click here. Reduce indoor allergens with the right flooring. Remove carpeting and use hardwood or linoleum flooring and washable area rugs. Check out this comparison of hardwood vs tile flooring before you decide.

From hardwood to friendly engineered planks stone cork and even retro linoleum our columnist explores the healthiest flooring choices. Environmentally friendly linoleum floors are made of vinyl which is usually synthetic and therefore non biodegradable. Carpeting in the bedroom can be especially problematic because it exposes you to carpet dust throughout the night. With proper maintenance hardwood floors ensure that indoor air remains clean and are ideal for homes that have people who suffer from asthma and allergic reactions.

If that isn t an option use low pile instead of high pile carpeting and vacuum weekly with a vacuum cleaner that has a small particle or high efficiency particulate air hepa filter. A great many reputable sources advise allergy and asthma sufferers to remove the carpeting. Learn about the differences between carpet and hardwood. Carpets are worse than hard floors when it comes to allergies some allergists claim that carpets hold onto the allergen particles keeping them around to irritate allergies.

For people with allergies and asthma carpeting can be bad news. At the moment hardwood floors are the top trend in home improvements but these trends come and go. Carpeting can be a reservoir for allergy causing substances allergens that trigger asthma. According to the national wood flooring association nwfa wood floors have the added benefit of not harboring allergens microorganisms or harmful pesticides that can be tracked in from outdoors.

While hardwood and cork are generally the best options for those with asthma and allergies stone or tile flooring as well as linoleum are also great options. So it s best to consider more practical factors when selecting flooring for your home. 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.

The tile and linoleum are better options for wet and moist areas such as bathrooms and mudrooms.