Breathing Easier: Choosing an Allergy-Friendly Carpet for Your Home

For many homeowners, the desire for a soft, warm floor conflicts with a concern for allergies. Carpet has a long-standing reputation as a collector of dust, dander, and other allergens, but modern advancements in manufacturing and materials have changed the game entirely. Today, it is possible to choose an allergy-friendly carpet that can actually improve indoor air quality and contribute to a healthier indoor environment. At Select Floors, we understand that a home should be a sanctuary for everyone, including those with allergies. With over two decades of experience, we have helped countless families in the Atlanta area find the right flooring solutions. Here’s a guide to the key characteristics of carpets designed to minimize allergens and help you and your family breathe easier.

1. Selecting the Right Fiber Type

The type of fiber your carpet is made of plays a significant role in its ability to trap and release allergens.

The Best Choices for Allergy Sufferers

• Low-Pile Nylon: Nylon is a synthetic fiber known for its durability and resilience. A low-pile nylon carpet is an excellent choice for allergy sufferers because its short, dense fibers are less likely to trap dust, dander, and other allergens. It’s easy to vacuum thoroughly, allowing you to remove allergens effectively.
• Wool: As a natural fiber, wool is often seen as a surprising choice for allergies, but it’s a great option. Wool fibers are relatively long and coarse, which means they are less likely to trap dust. Additionally, wool is a natural humidity regulator, which helps to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. Wool’s natural resilience also allows it to shed dirt easily, making it simple to vacuum.

Fibers to Approach with Caution

• High-Pile Synthetic Fibers: High-pile carpets, such as shag or frieze, have longer, looser fibers that are more prone to trapping dust and allergens, making them harder to clean effectively. They can also break down over time, releasing micro-fibers into the air.

2. The Importance of a Dense Weave

The density of a carpet’s weave, or how close the fibers are packed together, is another critical factor. A high-density, tightly woven carpet provides a more effective barrier against dust and allergens.

How a Dense Weave Works

• Trapping Allergens: A dense weave prevents allergens from sifting down through the carpet pile and into the underpad or subfloor. Instead, they are held at the surface where they can be easily removed by a vacuum cleaner with strong suction.
• Preventing Spores: A dense weave also helps to prevent moisture and mold spores from penetrating the carpet, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment.

To test a carpet’s density, simply bend a sample. If you can easily see the carpet backing, it is not very dense. A high-quality, dense weave will feel solid and show little of the backing when bent.

3. Choosing a Low-VOC Carpet

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that are released into the air from many household products, including some building materials. These VOCs can cause a variety of health issues and trigger allergy symptoms.

What to Look for

• CRI Green Label Plus Certification: The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has established a program called Green Label Plus, which tests carpets and adhesives for low-VOC emissions. Choosing a carpet with this certification ensures that it has been tested and is safe for indoor air quality.

The Role of a Quality Underpad

The underpad, or underlay, is a layer of material that sits between your carpet and the subfloor. While it’s primarily used for cushioning and insulation, a quality underpad can also play a vital role in preventing moisture and mold.

Moisture Protection

• Moisture Barrier: Choose an underpad with a built-in moisture barrier, especially if you are installing the carpet on a concrete subfloor in a basement or on a ground floor. This barrier prevents moisture from rising through the subfloor and creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

A Healthier Home, One Floor at a Time

Choosing an allergy-friendly carpet is a great way to improve your home’s indoor air quality and create a healthier environment for your family. By focusing on key characteristics like low-pile, dense-weave fibers and a low-VOC rating, you can select a carpet that not only looks great but also helps you and your family breathe easier.

At Select Floors, our team of skilled professionals can help you navigate these important choices. We offer a wide selection of carpets that meet the highest standards for quality and health. We are committed to delivering top-notch flooring solutions that exceed your expectations, ensuring a beautiful, comfortable, and healthy home.

We believe in delivering nothing less than top-notch flooring solutions that exceed your expectations. Leveraging over two decades of experience, we have established a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. Our team of skilled professionals brings a wealth of expertise to every project, a dedication recognized by our feature in the Best of Atlanta magazine. Our status as a preferred vendor for CBUSA and the Atlanta Greater Home Builders Association is a testament to the trust placed in us. Visit our showroom in Marietta, GA, or contact us today to begin your project.