Which type of carpet is best for those with allergies?

No matter how strict you are about removing shoes or keeping your home immaculate, some allergens will inevitably enter. They're often invisible, and once they make their way in, gravity pulls them to the ground, getting trapped in carpet fibers. While this keeps allergens from circulating in the air, each step on the carpet sends them back up, making it harder to avoid breathing them in and suffering symptoms like a runny nose.

The good news is that allergy and asthma sufferers can still have carpets. Most common carpet materials, like polyester and nylon, are made from synthetic fibers that resist allergens because they are nonorganic and provide an inhospitable environment. For example, mold can't feed on them, and pollen dries out. Nylon is the best choice for controlling allergies, while wool should be avoided as it can trap allergens and mold. Also, opt for carpets with short, tightly woven fibers to minimize allergen buildup.

When selecting a carpet, keep in mind that many are treated with special chemicals designed to neutralize or repel allergens. Opt for carpets labeled low VOC (volatile organic compound), which limits the use of substances like formaldehyde and benzene. These chemicals, which are commonly used in carpet treatments, eventually turn into gases and enter the air, negatively impacting indoor air quality and worsening allergies. Don't forget to ask retailers about other "green" options, such as environmentally-friendly padding and adhesives.

Regardless of the carpet type you choose, dust, pollen, and other allergy triggers will still be present, so make sure to remove them. Vacuum your carpet frequently, and consider shampooing or steam-cleaning it. Use a vacuum with deep-cleaning capabilities, schedule professional cleaning sessions, or invest in a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, which captures allergens; some vacuums come equipped with this feature.

Allergens may settle into the carpet, out of sight and out of the air, but no matter how often you clean, they remain trapped below the surface and continue to circulate. Hard flooring doesn't provide a refuge for allergens—they stay on the surface. They're easier to clean than carpets with a quick sweep or vacuum, and common materials for hard floors include cork, tile, linoleum, bamboo, wood, and laminate. If you decide against carpeting, keep in mind that hard floors require more frequent cleaning to avoid a dusty, sneezy atmosphere, which is less effective at trapping allergens compared to carpeted rooms.