Carpet can create a soft, luxurious experience under your feet and can muffle noise. It’s perfect for anyone who likes to sit directly on the floor, including kids. There’s no denying that it can also trap pet dander, dust, mold, dust mites and other allergens which can exacerbate allergic reactions.
Fortunately, 50Floor has some suggestions to help you enjoy luxurious flooring while also reducing your exposure to allergens in carpet.
Does Carpet Cleaning Reduce Allergens?
You can reduce allergens in your home by using a vacuum with a HEPA filter once or twice a week. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters remove at least 99.97% of particulates above a set size, so they can remove dust mites and other allergens.
When cleaning, go over the entire carpet and hardwood surface slowly and clean or replace the filter according to your vacuum cleaner’s directions. At least once a year or once a season, hire a professional carpet cleaner to do a deep steam clean.
How to Remove Allergens From Carpet
Cleaning will get rid of many allergens, but you can also reduce the risk of allergen exposure in your home by following these best practices:
- Leave shoes at the front door: Each time you walk in your home with your outdoor shoes, you may be tracking in pet dander, mold, insects, dust and other allergens.
- Don’t let your carpets stay wet: If you spill anything on your carpets, immediately place a towel or paper towel over the spill and place an object on the towel to ensure all the liquid is absorbed. This will help prevent mold from developing under the carpet.
- Protect your air quality: In bedrooms, especially, run an air purifier or air cleaner with a HEPA filter. If the moisture levels in any part of your home are above 50%, run a dehumidifier to prevent mold and mildew.
How to Get Rid of Allergens in Your Home
If someone in your home is vulnerable because of pulmonary conditions or severe allergies, vacuuming and extra precautions may not be enough. In cases where one or more members of your family have itchy, watery eyes or other symptoms of allergies, it may be useful to see a doctor.
You may also want to take a second look at your carpets. If your carpets are old, they may have mold or other allergens trapped inside. This is especially the case if you’ve moved into a home with pre-existing carpet. Switching to newer carpet, especially a low-pile carpet, with fewer surface areas for allergens to stick to, may help.
Another option is to switch to hard surface floors, such as tile, hardwood, laminate or vinyl. Hard surface floors are easier to clean and do not have nooks and crannies for allergens to hide. They can be the best choice for those with significant allergies.
If you’d like to explore your options for flooring that let you breathe a little easier, set up a free consultation in your home with 50Floor. You don’t have to leave your home and drive all over town. Our flooring experts will bring samples to you and answer all your questions, helping you choose the best solution for your household.
