It’s common advice that you hear all the time — if you have allergies or other respiratory issues, you need to get rid of your carpet. But the reality is a lot more complicated than that!
Most individuals think it’s best to remove carpeting and replace it with hardwood floors. However, carpets these days have fewer issues than alternate flooring choices. Keep reading to learn more.
Hard Floors Have Risks, Too
Wood for flooring is often treated with volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) like formaldehyde. While these chemicals make the wood more durable and better looking, they can also leech into your home’s air.
Treatments on wood and laminate floors can also release VOCs into the air. That can cause congestion and coughing, as well as worsening asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Therefore, removing your carpet doesn’t mean removing all risks from your home.
Not Your Parents’ Carpet
Carpeting has come a long way in the past few decades. There’s a large variety of short and low-pile carpets that can help allergy sufferers. Home designers are also using more natural fibers like wool and avoiding dangerous VOCs.
And no matter what kind of flooring you have, you can keep a high-quality HEPA air filter in your home. There are several high-power and inexpensive models widely available in major retailers.
Schedule Regular Vacuuming
Carpets can be allergy-friendly, but they need to be cleaned. Vacuum on a regular schedule, at least once a week. If possible, use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter to remove even more dust and dust mites.
For spot cleaning, be careful to choose an all-natural and non-toxic cleaner. Spray any stains as soon as possible to avoid more germs settling in the carpet.
Professional Carpet Cleaning Is A Must
Scheduling regular professional carpet cleaning is one of the best things you can do to reduce allergens. Pick a company that uses non-toxic cleaning solutions.
While your carpets should be professionally cleaned at least once a year, if there’s someone with breathing issues in the home, you may want to make that every six months or even every three months.
Professional carpet cleaning shouldn’t break the bank, and a good cleaning service will answer your questions. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation quote and to learn how you can make your home a safer and healthier place.
