People who have allergies often retreat indoors to avoid allergens outside. However, materials inside your home can hold onto contaminants and worsen symptoms. Many people install hardwood floors to improve indoor air quality and mitigate allergy issues. Here’s what you should know about flooring and allergies and why you should upgrade to hardwood.

How Does Flooring Affect Allergies?

Allergens enter the home every time someone opens a window or walks through the door. Pollen, pet dander, and dust can then quickly settle into the carpeting. While it offers a soft, cozy surface to walk and relax on, it often holds onto allergens that can negatively impact indoor air quality. Short and long fibers can hide irritants that keep allergens inside, even after vacuuming.

Many people are also allergic to dust mites. These tiny bugs live in dust, and regular walking traffic can force their droppings deep into the carpet fibers, where they can cause sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. When people step on the carpet, they send these tiny allergens into the air.

Many homeowners vacuum daily to limit these issues, but this only removes the top layer of debris. Getting annual professional cleans can help, but the cost can quickly add up.

Why Should You Use Hardwood?

Hardwood floors are easy to maintain. With daily sweeping or vacuuming, you’ll remove dust, pet fur, and other contaminants that can cause discomfort for people who have allergies.

Homeowners can quickly clean hardwood, making them more likely to continue regular maintenance to mitigate symptoms. Additionally, you won’t have to pay several hundred dollars a year to have professionals come in and deep clean the carpet. 

Homeowners interested in mitigating allergy symptoms should contact Carolina Wood Floors in Winston-Salem, NC, to learn about installing hardwood floors. The expert contractors offer over 25 years of experience installing, refinishing, and designing custom hardwood floors. Call (336) 765-0680 or visit their website for more information on their maintenance services for maple, red oak, mahogany, and maple.