Though you wouldn't be able to tell by the weather, yesterday marked the dawn of Spring. And what does Spring bring with it? Allergens! Lots and lots of allergens; namely pollen.
If you find yourself reacting negatively to the season's pollen-infused atmosphere, then it might be time to consider a new floor. Believe it or not, your current floor could be adding to your misery! Carpeting is a major offender to anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies. This is because carpet fibers trap any allergens that happen to land on them. As a result, it is extremely difficult to clean the carpet well enough to remove the sneeze-inducing invaders.
So, what kind of floor should you get instead?
Well, the short answer is any floor with a hard surface. Just about every kind floor outside of carpeting fits this description, but they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Take a look...
Linoleum: While similar in look and feel, linoleum is the eco-friendly answer to vinyl. Linoleum is great for allergy-prone homeowners because of its flat surface that is smooth and easy to clean. Just be aware that you may have to pay a little more for this linseed oil-based flooring than you would for vinyl.
Tile: King of the hard surfaces, tile is a timeless and beautiful material for most any room you can think of. If you are considering tile because of allergies, however, it's a good idea to choose between ceramic or porcelain tiles. Natural stone tiles are porous and may cling to dirt and dust.
Hardwood: You knew this one was coming. We can't get enough of those beautiful hardwood floors! While they do require more maintenance to keep their classic luster and shape, they are easy to clean overall. Just a quick once-over with a vacuum or broom should rid your floor of any allergens that were there before.
Bamboo: Somewhat new to the American flooring scene, bamboo is a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood flooring.
Low Pile Carpet: If you are a huge fan of carpeting and are willing to run the risk of aggravating your allergies to have it, consider a low pile carpet. These don't trap allergens as severely as high pile carpets, but they do need to be vacuumed and deep cleaned regularly. Area rugs are also a more allergy, friendly option to consider before installing wall-to-wall carpeting!
Happy Flooring!