If you suffer from allergies you know how debilitating they can be which is why it’s important to take extra care when making home improvements. While we often think about the furniture, coverings, and things like air fresheners, what about the flooring?
I find this is often overlooked but the floors in your home can be a harbor for allergens so you have to get the decision right and look at the best flooring for allergies. This is what I take a look at below including the common types of allergens in flooring, and the top hypoallergenic options to reduce the reactions you experience.
Common Allergens in Flooring
Let’s start by looking at the common allergens found in flooring that could cause a reaction for people suffering from conditions like hayfever or asthma:
- Dust
- Mold
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Grass
- Dirt
- Mildew
Some of these allergens such as pollen, grass, and dirt are brought in from the outside and are difficult to avoid as they can cling to our shoes and clothes.
Similarly, things like dust and pet dander accumulate naturally and are a by-product of human or animal presence in homes.
Allergens like mold and mildew can be avoided with proper cleaning and house maintenance and these are rare to find in your flooring.
Hypoallergenic Flooring Options
To combat the above you need to pick the best flooring for allergies and this starts with a simple premise – flat flooring with a lack of crevasses is better suited for those with allergies as the allergens can’t get trapped easily and can be dusted or hoovered up quicker.
You essentially need a flooring type that is easy to clean, but that can also be cleaned thoroughly. Easy-to-clean surfaces allow you to get rid of allergens quicker and minimize the chance of allergic reactions.
Carpet Considerations
In most instances, carpet is the worst option for those with allergies. This is because of the pile and the individual carpet threads – they provide a safe harbor for allergens and even with the most thorough hoovering, allergens can remain trapped in the carpet pile.
The key, however, is the carpet depth. A living room carpet, for example, with a relatively shallow pile is easier to hoover and will be better for people with allergies compared to a deep pile carpet. So, you can use carpets, but stay away from deep pile options.
Vinyl and Allergies
LVT flooring is fantastic for those suffering from allergies. This flooring is made primarily from vinyl with a top wear layer. It is supplied either in planks or tiles and they lock together to form a smooth flooring finish.
Because of this smooth finish, there is no place for the allergens to get trapped and they will simply sit on the surface. Combine this with the ease with which you can clean vinyl flooring and you can keep the allergens at bay.
Hardwood Flooring and Allergies
Like LVT flooring, hardwood flooring is a great option for those suffering from allergies because of its smooth finish. Hardwood flooring is typically made from materials like oak or maple and is installed in planks.
The smooth top layer allows allergens to be quickly removed, but it is not quite as smooth as LVT. There can be gaps between the planks, and depending on the wood, it can have features like knots and divots where allergens could linger.
Laminate Flooring for Allergy Sufferers
Laminate flooring is essentially a cheaper version of LVT flooring and it is also one of the best choices for those suffering from allergies. It is available in a wide range of styles and patterns and often mimics traditional hardwood or stone floors.
The durability is not quite as good as LVT, but it’s inexpensive and one of the most affordable flooring options. Because of the tight interlocking tiles or planks and the smooth top layer, it repels allergens too, and is easy to clean.
Tile and Allergy Concerns
Ceramic or porcelain tiles are a good choice too, particularly in rooms like kitchens, conservatories, and bathrooms. The tiles are especially durable and can withstand UV rays, moisture, and spills.
For allergies, tiles benefit from a smooth top layer compared to something like carpet and they are one of the easiest floor types to clean. The downside is that they are also one of the coldest flooring types and are usually more expensive than things like LVT, carpet, and laminate.
Combat Your Allergies With the Right Flooring Type
With the best flooring for allergies, you will be surprised at the positive effect it has. Options such as LVT flooring and laminate give allergens nowhere to hide which means you should experience fewer reactions and feel healthier in your home.
