Carpets are always one of the most common and beloved flooring options that are widely used. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, asthma, or dust sensitivities, you may not go for the carpets as they can worsen your allergies. However, in the growing market of carpets, a wide range of allergy-friendly carpets are produced with low VOC materials, hypoallergenic fibers, and advanced technology that can also improve indoor air quality. In this article, you will read more about the best allergy-friendly carpets, which can help you have high-quality indoor air while benefiting from a warm and appealing carpet look. In addition, you will learn about features that you need to consider when purchasing carpets for your property.
What is an allergy-friendly carpet?
An allergy-friendly carpet is designed to reduce dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold, which can be trapped in the old carpet’s fibres and cause allergic reactions. These anti-allergic carpets are mostly made from synthetic fibres that are tightly woven and often covered with antimicrobial coatings. By correctly maintaining these types of carpets, they can trap allergens and prevent them from circulating in the air, making them a safe option for allergy sufferers.
Best carpet materials for allergy sufferers
If you plan to purchase allergy-friendly carpets for your property, the fibre material is one of the most critical options that you need to consider. Some fibre materials perform better in trapping allergens and preventing them from dispersing in the air. Here is the list of materials that you can choose for your anti-allergic carpet:
- Nylon: It is durable, easy to clean and maintain, and non-absorbent. Nylon fibres trap fewer allergens and prevent mold and mildew.
- Polyester: It is another synthetic fibre option that prevents allergens and moisture.
- Triexta: It is an eco-friendly and stain-resistant fiber option that is soft and has antimicrobial features.
- Wool (low-pile only): Low-pile wool carpets can provide a luxurious and natural feeling to your property and can be considered as allergy-friendly options. However, they cannot perform well like the mentioned alternatives.
Low-pile vs. high-pile carpet: Which is better for allergies?
Pile height means how high the carpet’s fibres are. Low-pile carpets are a better option and play an important role in controlling allergies caused by carpets due to the reasons below:
- They trap less dust and allergens.
- They are easy to vacuum and maintain.
- They do not trap pet hair or pollen easily.
On the other hand, high-pile carpets create a more comfortable underfoot, but they can become allergen traps if they are not properly and regularly maintained.
Carpet cleaning and maintenance tips for allergy relief
Even the most allergy-friendly carpets need regular and proper maintenance to perform well and keep allergens under control. Here is a list of what regularly needs to be done to reduce the chance of allergens and dust causing problems for individuals suffering from allergies.
- Vacuuming regularly: The first and important way to prevent allergens and dust from being trapped in the carpet fibres is to vacuum the carpet 2 to 3 times per week. It is recommended to use HEPA filters for better results.
- Cleaning carpets with steam cleaners: Clean carpets every 3 to 6 months with a steam cleaner to remove dust and allergens deeply.
- Using dehumidifiers: It is highly recommended to use a dehumidifier at your property to reduce the level of humidity and the risk of mold.
- Removing shoes indoors: Another effective way to prevent dust and outside allergens from entering the home is to remove shoes outdoors.
Look for carpet with low VOC emissions
Many carpets emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause different problems, including headaches, respiratory irritation, and even they can worsen allergies. Therefore, always look for carpets with low VOC or Green Label Plus certification. It is also important to consider the points below when installing the carpets:
- Use low-VOC tapes or adhesives.
- Use low-VOC carpet pads.
After carpet installation, ventilate the indoor air well and do not use the carpet heavily for the next 72 hours.
Best hypoallergenic carpets for homes with pets
If you have pets and allergies, you need to choose a carpet that is soft, resistant to dander, odor, and fur. It is recommended to choose low-pile and dense carpets with stain-resistant, pet-friendly features. Here are the top carpet choices:
- Stain-resistant nylon
- Triexta with od
- Low-pile loop styles that prevent pet hair from embedding
Using one of the mentioned options above, along with an air purifier and regular vacuuming, can provide you with a perfect result, both for you and your pets.
Common myths about carpet and allergies
There are different myths about carpets and allergies, which are not all true. Many people believe that only hardwood flooring or tile flooring is suitable for allergy sufferers. But that is not always true. With the right carpet material selection and regular and suitable carpet maintenance, you can benefit from an allergy-friendly carpet without any problem, causing or worsening your allergy. In addition, vacuuming alone is not enough for maintaining your carpet. Other methods, like steam cleaning and even deep cleaning, are also needed to avoid dust and allergies being trapped in the carpet fibres.
Conclusion
Choosing the best allergy-friendly carpet for your home is all about understanding your needs, knowing what to look for in materials, and respecting consistent care. With the right type of carpet, homeowners who suffer from allergies do not have to ignore comfort or style. There are different options from low-pile nylon fibre carpets to Green Label Plus certified options, which help you have an allergy-free indoor environment while having a nice and warm carpet look in your place.