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Carpets can harbor dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens that can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, your carpeted floors may be contributing to flare ups. Thankfully, there are several effective ways to reduce allergens in carpeted rooms and make them more comfortable for those with respiratory conditions.

Vacuum Frequently

Vacuuming carpet helps lift dirt and allergens out from deep within the carpet fibers before they accumulate and circulate through the air. Ideally, you should vacuum carpeted floors at least twice a week. Make sure to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, which can capture very small particles that irritate allergies. Vacuum slowly and thoroughly to get as much dust and debris out of the carpeting as possible.

Cut Down on Indoor Pollutants

Besides vacuuming up settled allergens, reducing sources of indoor air pollution can help improve air quality. If people smoke indoors, ask them to smoke outside instead. Only use unscented candles or wax warmers occasionally. Consider getting an air purifier with a HEPA filter to actively remove allergens and pollutants from the room. Keeping pollutants to a minimum ensures cleaner air overall.

Clean Carpets Periodically

Over time, vacuuming alone may not be enough. Allergens eventually accumulate deep in carpet fibers no matter how often you vacuum. Every 6-12 months, you should have your carpets professionally cleaned. The hot water extraction method is best for removing allergens without using irritating chemicals. Schedule carpet cleaning for when you can leave the house for a few hours so carpets can fully dry before you return.

Use Door Mats and Remove Shoes

Place door mats inside and outside all exterior doors so people can wipe their feet before entering. Ask household members and guests to remove their shoes when entering carpeted rooms. Much of the dirt that gets ground into carpet comes from the outdoors. Maintaining these simple habits greatly cuts down on how much dirt reaches the carpet. Less dirt = fewer allergens.

Invest in Allergy-Proof Coverings

Encasing mattresses, box springs, and pillows in special allergen-blocking covers prevents dust mites and their waste from infesting bedding. These microscopic particles easily become airborne when disturbed. On carpets, use washable area rugs to protect sections that receive the most foot traffic. This allows you to remove and launder area rugs periodically to eliminate accumulated allergens.

Control Mold and Humidity

In addition to filtering out airborne allergens, keeping humidity low helps prevent mold growth in carpet and elsewhere. Use dehumidifiers and fans to maintain a humidity level below 50%. Promptly clean up any water that gets on the carpeting from spills. Water allows mold to take hold and multiply quickly. Address any leaks or flooding right away to inhibit mold.

Let In Fresh Air

Stale indoor air allows allergens and pollutants to stagnate. Open windows regularly when home to air out rooms and replenish with fresh air from outside. This helps dilute and flush out allergens within the home. Just remember to close windows when peak pollen times occur during spring and fall to keep high outdoor concentrations from entering.

Keep Pets Out

Pets carry lots of allergens in their dander (skin flakes), saliva, and urine. They also track outdoor allergens caught in their fur. If possible, keep pets with fur or feathers out of carpeted rooms to reduce overall allergens. Bath pets regularly when they are permitted in carpeted areas to rinse off allergens accumulating in their coats. Cleaning inevitably stirs up allergens, so thoroughly vacuum after bathing pets.

Take Off Shoes Before Entering

Wearing shoes while walking from room to room tracks in an incredible amount of dirt and allergens. Designate carpeted rooms as “no shoe zones” and remind family members to remove footwear before entering. Place shoe racks by each entrance so taking off shoes becomes automatic. Going shoeless cuts way down on how much gets ground into carpet pile. Less dirt = less dust and allergens over time.

Final Words

With some diligence, carpeted rooms don’t have to aggravate allergies or asthma. Maintain these simple habits along with keeping indoor pollutants low and letting in ample fresh air. Over time, you can dramatically cut down on allergens and asthma triggers from carpeting for a more comfortable indoor environment.

It is always worth replacing the old carpets that cause troubles. Why deny your home new carpets? Pay As You Go Carpets offers interim £600 financing. Settle the credit through £10 weekly installments.