Why do some people develop allergies from carpet?

Key Insights

Every day, after work, you kick off your shoes, toss your jacket aside, and sink into your cozy shag carpet by the TV. Before you even get a chance to relax, you find yourself sneezing uncontrollably. And now that you think about it, whenever your neighbors drop by for dinner, your friend joins you in a coughing fit while his wife looks on, puzzled. What’s going on?

The culprit is probably right in front of you. Or beneath your feet. Carpet acts like a magnet for allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and other irritating proteins. Allergens are antigens, usually proteins, that trigger allergic reactions like sneezing and coughing in individuals with hypersensitive immune systems. Allergies can be caused by various household items, including carpet, which may hold up to 100 times more allergens than hard floors [source: e-healthy-homes].

The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) defends its product, claiming that carpet fibers trap allergy-causing substances like dust and pollen, preventing them from circulating in the air where you're more likely to inhale them. While this may be true for those with more tolerant immune systems, medical experts often recommend that individuals with severe allergies remove wall-to-wall carpeting.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America agrees with the CRI: surfaces indeed contain more allergens than the air, but the organization adds that even the smallest movement can stir them up. This means that whenever you sit on your shag carpet, you're releasing all those allergens into the air, where they can remain for several hours [source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America].

Allergens trapped in carpet are particularly concerning for families with young children. Children's immune systems are more sensitive to foreign substances like those found in carpet, and since they spend more time close to the ground, they’re more exposed. While a 6-foot-9-inch (2.1 meter) basketball player might not worry about the 67 grams (2 ounces) of dust on 1 square meter (11 square feet) of carpet, a crawling child might take issue. In fact, an infant could ingest 10 grams (0.4 ounces) of dust daily [source: Green Guide]. That's roughly equivalent to three saltine crackers. Yuck.

Learn what's causing all the sneezing next.

Carpet Allergens: Mites, Mold and More

Just about anything can make its way into the cozy fibers of your carpet. Dust mites and pet dander are two major contributors to some of the most bothersome allergens, but other irritants like dust, mold, dirt, and pollen brought in from the outside regularly accumulate as well.

If you have a persistent allergy, you’re probably familiar with dust mites. These tiny arthropods are often the leading cause of year-round allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that over 20 million Americans are allergic to these microscopic creatures. In fact, it’s the waste of dust mites that causes the allergy, and they produce massive quantities of it—up to 200 times their body weight in waste every day [source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America]. Dust mites hide deep within carpeting, bedding, and furniture, particularly in warm and humid environments. And even regular cleaning doesn’t do the trick: 95 percent of them may still remain after vacuuming [source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America].

More adorable than dust mites, yet just as aggravating to your allergies, are your furry friends. Your dog and cat, as sweet as they may be, cause allergies in 15 to 30 percent of people with sensitivities [source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America]. Their saliva, urine, and other secretions contain proteins that can provoke allergic reactions, while their fur traps dust, fleas, and pollen, which then gets embedded in your carpet when they shed. Additionally, their dead skin cells, known as dander, accumulate on surfaces like carpets. Pet allergens are especially troublesome because they are sticky, clinging to surfaces, and when disturbed, they linger in the air for long periods. Even those without pets can be exposed to pet dander since it often hitchhikes on clothing.

In addition to dust mites and man's best friends, mold is another frequent culprit behind indoor allergies. Factors such as high humidity, spills that go uncleaned, and leaking ceilings (or pets) can all encourage mold growth. Even shampooing or damp cleaning your carpet can promote mold and mildew spread if it isn't dried completely. When the mold source is disturbed, its spores are released into the air.

Lastly, anything that you're allergic to outdoors can also become an issue indoors. When you come inside after a pleasant walk through your yard, you might unknowingly carry in pollen and dust. Where does all that pollen and dust go? It joins the ongoing party hosted by dust mites and dander.

Discover how to disrupt this gathering on the next page.

Carpet Allergy Solutions: Carpet Removal, Vacuuming and Cleaning

You've discovered that your cozy, inviting carpet is the cause of your sneezing fits. What can you do, other than tearing it out and replacing it with hardwood floors? Unfortunately, if you suffer from severe allergies, this might be your only viable solution, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. However, if your allergies are less intense, there are several alternatives to this drastic measure.

If you’re not yet committed to a carpet, make a wise choice for your allergies by selecting one with a short, tightly woven pile rather than long, loose fibers. The shorter and denser the carpet fibers, the less likely allergens will settle in, and the easier it will be to clean. Alternatively, you can opt for smaller machine-washable rugs or carpet tiles, which can be cleaned in hot water to eliminate mites and other allergens.

If you're stuck with your existing carpet, there are still steps you can take to minimize the sneezing. You likely already know that vacuuming is key. What you may not know is that there's a right and wrong way to vacuum. Wrong: casually vacuuming a few times a month with that old vacuum cleaner from your grandmother. Right: investing in a high-quality vacuum with tight seals (to prevent allergens from escaping) and a built-in HEPA filter, and vacuuming thoroughly one to two times a week. (A high-efficiency particulate air filter removes 99.97% of airborne particles.) If you have severe allergies, consider asking someone else to handle the vacuuming, or wear a dust mask yourself.

In addition to regular and thorough vacuuming, you should have your carpet professionally cleaned every six months, either by steam cleaning or dry cleaning. Be sure to let it dry completely afterward to prevent mold or mites from growing in the dampness. Cleaning up spills promptly is another essential step in preventing mold. To further reduce carpet allergens, ask visitors to remove their shoes when entering your home to avoid bringing in outside contaminants.

By following these tips, you and your guests might just make it through dinner without the constant sneezing and sniffles.