Does carpeting in a home help or hurt allergies? You may be wondering about the answer to this question if you suffer from carpet allergies or you live with someone who does. Take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to how carpets can impact allergies.
A Look at How Carpets Perform in Homes
The plush nature of carpets unfortunately makes them targets for things like dust, debris, pet dander, pollen and other types of allergens. All of these things can easily become trapped in the fibers of a carpet. Most people living with carpets in their homes understand that it’s important to vaccum them regularly. However, it is still possible for some allergens to get buried deep inside carpets and escape the suction power of a vacuum. Mold can become an issue when this happens.
The Potential Good News About Carpet and Allergies
Hearing that carpets are magnets for dust, debris and other types of carpet allergens sounds like bad news at first. Many people would automatically assume that this means carpets are bad for people who suffer from allergies. However, the opposite could actually be true. Many experts who study allergies and the causes of allergies would actually argue that carpets are good for people with allergies. What’s more, many believe that carpets can help to improve air quality inside a home. Why is this? It turns out that the fibers in carpets that attract allergens actually serve as filters. Allergens that become trapped inside the fibers of a carpet are no longer floating in the air. They are instead settled on the ground. This means that people living in homes with carpets may not be breathing in as many allergens as someone living in a home with debris floating around freely.
Additional Benefits of Carpets
People choose carpets for many reasons when selecting new flooring for their homes. Carpet is especially attractive for families with young children or elderly parents because of the fact that having a soft surface to walk on can reduce the risks of slips and fall. In addition, babies and toddlers who are crawling around can enjoy softer surfaces. There is also the warmth factor. Homes with carpets are typically warmer than homes with tile or wood because the carpeting insulates the floors. This can lower energy bills for people living in areas with chilly climates.
The Downside of Carpets
It’s important to really weigh all of the pros and cons of carpeting before making a decision. While carpeting does provide a soft place for children to play, some parents might be bothered by the fact that their little ones are rolling around on a carpet that could be harboring pet dander, dust and mites. The fact is that at least some amount of allergens are going to get trapped inside a carpet. The sensitivity level of the person living with carpets will determine just how hindering carpets really are.
Ways to Reduce the Amount of Allergens in Carpets
There are some things people can do if they would like to live with carpet in their homes without constantly worry about allergies. Taking proper care of carpets and making some lifestyle decisions can dramatically reduce the odds of a carpet becoming overrun with debris, dirt and other harmful allergens. One of the most important steps is vacuuming regularly. This is especially essential in areas of the home that see a high volume of foot traffic. Daily vacuuming could be necessary if you are concerned about allergies. Bedrooms should be vacuumed as often as possible because a person could spend eight hours or more per night breathing in whatever is trapped inside a bedroom’s carpeting.
One of the simplest ways to reduce the allergy risk presented by carpets is to remove your shoes whenever entering the house. Shoes actually bring dirt, debris, germs and many other harmful substances into a home. This can create unsanitary conditions if someone walks over a carpet with their shoes after being outside.
Another way to ensure that allergies don’t get in the way of enjoying your soft carpets is to have your floors cleaned professionally at least once a year. A deep cleaning that is performed by a professional using professional equipment can restore carpets to like-new condition. Professional cleaning can reach deep inside the fibers of carpets and create a fresh and sanitary atmosphere for your family to enjoy.
The Bottom Line on Carpet Allergies
What’s the truth about carpet allergies? The fact is that there is actually very little proof that carpets impact allergies. However, it is certainly impossible to deny that some people experience allergy symptoms or irritations when coming into contact with carpets. Some people may actually be sensitive when it comes to the materials used in certain types of carpets. Deciding whether or not to have carpeting in your home is a personal decision that should be reached after researching all of the potential risks and
