Hard Surface Flooring Minimize Allergies

Filed in archive Asthma , Gadgets and Tools Against Allergies , Hay Fever , Insect Allergies on December 19, 2006

Generally, the bedroom is where we spend most of our time and that's why for those with indoor allergies, it is important to minimize the levels of, if not totally eliminate, offending allergens in our home, particularly in the bedroom.

For those with very high sensitivities to dust mites, mold spores and other airborne particles, hypoallergenic beddings are often recommended. The use of curtains are minimized, or if they are used, they have to washed often, and at higher temperatures.

For flooring, hard surface flooring is better than wall-to-wall carpeting, were dirt and dust might accumulate.

Perhaps the most offensive in this area is wall-to-wall carpeting. Carpets harbor dust and other pollutants that are not readily cleaned out even with the most powerful vacuum cleaners. Dust mites are quite prevalent in carpeting and, even though they don't bite, they do leave droppings known as mite allergens. They live up to about 3 months and produce up to 300 eggs over this period of time. No matter how much one vacuums, the mites remain in the carpet, tightly clinging to the carpet fibers.