If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies, you know how difficult it can be to keep your home free from allergens. Concerned parents everywhere are scrambling on the daily to keep their homes clean and safe.
One of the worst offenders causing all that misery is carpet. That soft, cushy landing under your feet may seem cozy, but in reality, it may be quite the opposite.
What Causes Carpet Allergies?
Carpet allergies might be what’s to blame for allergy symptoms that won’t go away. After all, it’s not hard to imagine just how all those little dust mites, allergens, and pollutants can get trapped in the fibers of your carpet. And you may be surprised by what your rugs and carpet are holding onto. We’re talking pet dander, pollen, dust, dust mites, and mold.
And it isn’t only allergens trapped in the carpet that can cause you to sniffle and sneeze. Did you know that some people are sensitive to the carpet itself?
Allergies to Carpet
The natural and synthetic fibers that make up the upper pile, such as wool, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, jute, and sisal, may cause allergic reactions to carpet, including contact dermatitis. And even the carpet padding may include allergens such as formaldehyde and styrene.
Another cause of carpet allergies is VOCs, volatile organic compounds, that are sometimes found in carpet. A higher presence of VOCs represents a higher presence of toxins in the carpet that can be off-gassed and cause allergic reactions in some people.
What are the Symptoms of Carpet Allergies?
Typical symptoms of carpet allergies may include itchy watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, irritated throat, wheezing, and trouble breathing.
And since the cause of this discomfort can be caused by allergens trapped in the carpet or the substances that make up the carpet, it’s easy to see why so many households are seeking solutions.
Tips to Allergy-Proof Your Home
Trying to keep up with dust, mold, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens to allergy-proof your home doesn’t have to be a losing battle. Here are a few housekeeping tips to get you started.
- Vacuuming your rugs and carpet at least once or twice per week with a HEPA filter will help remove allergens and trap them, so they don’t recirculate back into the air.
- Opt for synthetic comforters and pillows, rather than feathers, and wash sheets and blankets in hot water once per week.
- Scented detergents may make your laundry smell good, but the fragrances can cause allergy symptoms to flare. Look for fragrance-free, instead.
- Leave your shoes at the door to avoid tracking in pollen and other allergens you pick up when you’re out and about.
Think You Can’t Have Rugs? Read This!
Conventional wisdom says that since rugs are the very thing that is trapping the allergens, they must go. But not so fast.
If your family suffers from allergies, there is no need to forego having soft landing spots around your home for playtime, tummy time, exercise, and just lounging around.
Hypoallergenic Rugs
Comfort Design Mats are stylish foam mats designed to create beautiful living spaces in any room of your home. Made only from safe materials, Comfort Design Mats are non-toxic baby foam play mats that are hypoallergenic, made from non-toxic foam, BPA-free, PVC-free, EVA-free, with no formamide, formaldehyde, or phthalates.
Large and squishy, our 6.5’x4.5’ cushioned playmats protect both your family and your flooring. Our one-piece foam play mats are preferred over puzzle piece playmats, which can pull apart or allow spilled liquid to seep between the pieces. Plus, they are waterproof for easy clean-up and safe for pets.
Available in a selection of gorgeous patterns and colors, Comfort Design Mats complement your home décor, so there is no need to roll up the mat when playtime or exercise time is over.
If your family suffers from allergies, yes, you can have rugs! Shop Comfort Design Mats for safe and stylish hypoallergenic rugs you can feel good about.
