Buying a New Carpet: A Complete Guide for Allergy Sufferers
You might think you can’t have carpet in your home if you have allergies. The good news is that you don’t have to fear carpets as an allergy sufferer.
While other types of flooring, such as real wood and laminate, can seem like the better option for people with allergies, you can enjoy the luxuriousness and comfort of carpet even if you are sensitive to allergens.
Keep reading to learn all about carpets and allergies. This post will detail the main symptoms of carpet allergies and what the best choices are for allergy sufferers.
What are the main signs of a carpet allergy?
If you suspect you have this type of allergy, there are some key signs to look out for. These include the following common symptoms:
- Watery or red eyes
- An irritated/itchy throat
- Excessive sneezing
- A runny nose
- Itchy, red, and/or irritated skin
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Feelings of pressure in the chest
It is worth noting that the above symptoms are also common in people who are sensitive to everyday allergens such as pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and mould, which are likely to exist in your home.
Can I have carpet in my home if I have allergies?
As mentioned briefly above, even if you have a carpet allergy, this does not mean that you can’t have carpet in your home. It does mean, however, that you must be selective in your choice of carpet for your home.
Ideally, you should look for a hypoallergenic carpet made with materials that are less likely to shred and irritate you. This type of carpet is also less likely to trap other allergens, such as pet dander and pollen.
Alternatively, a carpet that is made from synthetic fibres such as nylon, polyester, or triexta is a good choice as these actively repel allergens.
You can find high-quality carpets in Dulwich that are made from fabrics that are suitable for people with allergies.
You should avoid choosing a carpet made of wool and other natural fibres as these provide the perfect environment for allergens to thrive and are likely to worsen your symptoms.
In terms of pile height, the shorter, the better, as this provides allergens with less space.
How to minimise allergens in your home
If you have carpet already in place and you have allergy sufferers in your household, then there are precautions you can take to reduce the number of allergens in your home.
Having a good cleaning schedule in place is the first course of action. This will help you to remove any allergens that settle on your floors. Make sure you ask people to take their shoes off at the door to prevent allergens from coming into your home and vacuum your carpets at least once a week.
Shampooing or steam cleaning your carpet once or twice a year can significantly reduce the number of allergens. If you are a pet owner, you may need to do this more often.
Unwashed carpets can be home to a whole host of nasties such as mildew and mould, all of which can create problems for people with allergies and respiratory problems, so make sure you stay on top of your cleaning regime!