Is Hardwood Better For Allergens

Environmentally friendly linoleum floors are made of vinyl which is usually synthetic and therefore non biodegradable.

Is hardwood better for allergens.

At the moment hardwood floors are the top trend in home improvements but these trends come and go. The tile and linoleum are better options for wet and moist areas such as bathrooms and mudrooms. Reduce indoor allergens with the right flooring. Carpets are worse than hard floors when it comes to allergies some allergists claim that carpets hold onto the allergen particles keeping them around to irritate allergies.

Carpet has long been regarded as the enemy when it comes to allergies and asthma. A great many reputable sources advise allergy and asthma sufferers to remove the carpeting. If that isn t an option use low pile instead of high pile carpeting and vacuum weekly with a vacuum cleaner that has a small particle or high efficiency particulate air hepa filter. Check out this comparison of hardwood vs tile flooring before you decide.

They advocate tearing out your investment in carpeting and replacing it with hardwood floors for the sake of your health. Hardwood vs tile flooring the pros. Remove carpeting and use hardwood or linoleum flooring and washable area rugs. Hardwood is widely known to be the best flooring for asthma and allergies.

First published in allergic living magazine. Hard surface flooring such as vinyl tile or wood is much easier to keep free of dust mites pollen pet dander and other allergens. Some types of flooring can make allergy problems worse but others can reduce indoor allergens. It is believed that this exacerbates the symptoms of these conditions.

For people with allergies and asthma carpeting can be bad news. To subscribe click here. Those living with asthma or allergy symptoms have historically been advised to remove all carpet in the home because carpet traps allergens. Carpeting can be a reservoir for allergy causing substances allergens that trigger asthma.

So it s best to consider more practical factors when selecting flooring for your home. From hardwood to friendly engineered planks stone cork and even retro linoleum our columnist explores the healthiest flooring choices. While hardwood and cork are generally the best options for those with asthma and allergies stone or tile flooring as well as linoleum are also great options. Carpeting in the bedroom can be especially problematic because it exposes you to carpet dust throughout the night.

Learn about the differences between carpet and hardwood.