Wilmac Flooring

The Best Flooring Options for Allergy Sufferers

If you’re an allergy sufferer, you know how important it is to keep your home feeling fresh and sneeze-free. Believe it or not, the floor you walk on can make a real difference!

With the right flooring, you can keep allergens in check and breathe easier. Let’s take a look at the best options out there so you can create an allergy-friendly zone that’s comfy, clean and to your liking.

Understanding Indoor Allergens and Flooring

Indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mould can quickly make a home uncomfortable for allergy sufferers. The type of flooring you pick plays a big role here – it can either trap these allergens or help reduce them. This is why it’s so important to take your time choosing the right flooring!

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is a fabulous choice for allergy sufferers. This is thanks to its smooth surface that doesn’t hold onto allergens. It’s easy to clean, making it simple to keep dust and pollen at bay. Also, hardwood is durable and can last for years and years. This will add value to your property whilst keeping the air fresher.

However, hardwood can come with a higher upfront cost and needs regular care to keep it looking its best. It’s also sensitive to moisture, so proper sealing is a must to avoid damage. 

Laminate Flooring

Another solid choice to consider is laminate flooring as it offers a hypoallergenic and easy-to-clean surface. Laminate is a budget-friendly alternative to hardwood, giving you a similar look without the higher price tag. It’s durable too, meaning it stands up well to scratches and everyday wear.

We must stress some laminate products can emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds). So, it’s best to pick low-VOC options for a healthier home. Laminate isn’t highly moisture-resistant either. This means spills must be wiped up quickly to prevent damage. You need to factor in that laminate can be a tad noisy too, so it’s wise to add an underlayment for better sound insulation. 

Tile Flooring (Ceramic and Porcelain)

Tile flooring like ceramic or porcelain are brilliant options for allergy sufferers. Its non-porous surface naturally resists moisture and mould. This makes it simple to clean and unlikely to trap allergens. Plus, tiles come in all kinds of styles and colours, meaning you should have no trouble finding something that suits your taste whilst keeping allergens at bay.

However, tiles can feel cold and hard underfoot. Therefore, we recommend investing in an area rug that can add comfort. Grout lines also require regular cleaning to prevent mould growth, and tiles can be slippery when wet. It’s wise to look at textured options or put down mats in wet areas to keep things safe and cosy.

Vinyl Flooring

Another practical flooring option for allergy sufferers is vinyl. It’s water-resistant and low maintenance to name just a couple of benefits. Vinyl floors Chester also come in styles that mimic hardwood or tile. This lets you achieve the look you’re after without any hassle. Vinyl is softer underfoot than many other options and helps to reduce noise.

On the downside, some vinyl products can emit VOCs too. It’s wise to stick with low-VOC options because of this. Vinyl can also dent or scratch under heavy furniture, and it’s lifespan is arguably shorter than that of hardwood or tile. 

Handy Maintenance Tips

Now you’ve got a better idea of what flooring options to consider, we’ve got a few simple habits to keep your allergy-friendly flooring in tip-top shape. This includes regularly hoovering with a specialist filter to trap allergens. Also, use a damp mop on hard surfaces to pick up dust. You should also manage indoor humidity. This helps prevent mould, whilst doormats at entrances reduce outdoor allergens coming inside.

Picking the right flooring is a huge step toward making your abode more comfortable for allergy sufferers. If you’re still unsure of what to opt for, feel free to contact us. We have a variety of allergy-friendly flooring options to explore, helping you to find the perfect fit for your home.