How carpet can be the healthiest flooring choice for your family

Carpet has had a bad rap over the years, with many people believing it to be potentially unhygienic or allergenic. But contrary to popular belief, carpet can actually be the healthiest flooring choice for you and your family, as long as you look after it carefully and follow a few simple guidelines.

Here are 3 ways carpet can help you have a healthier home.

Reducing airborne dust

Carpet’s pile surface traps airborne dust and absorbs contaminants from inside and outside your home. A major study by the German Asthma and Allergy Society found that airborne dust was reduced by half in homes with fitted carpets, compared to those with hard flooring surfaces. Therefore choosing a flooring material that traps dust and does not leave it loose in the air to be breathed in, can be extremely beneficial for people suffering with breathing conditions such as asthma.

Trapping pollutants

As with dust, well maintained carpet helps purify the air by reducing indoor pollutants that can trigger allergy and asthma in sensitized people. With a hard surface such as a wooden or lino floor, pollens, pet hair and other irritants can float down and rest on them, but then be easily kicked up by foot traffic and float around in the air, where they can trigger people’s allergies. Carpet traps these so you can vacuum them away easily and keep allergies at bay.

Noise reduction

Carpet also contributes to a quieter indoor environment by reducing excessive noise, which is a major cause of stress and irritation. The acoustic qualities of carpet are not to be ignored – especially if you have young children in the house or a large, busy family. Constant traffic, talking and playing in hallways, upstairs rooms or even just the family room can create a level of constant noise that can be a massive contributor to home noise pollution. Carpet helps soften and tone down the ruckus of daily life, thereby reducing frayed nerves as well.

In order to reap the health benefits of choosing carpet, make sure you vacuum regularly and factor in regular professional cleaning to remove unhealthy irritants, bacteria and allergens.