Ask About The Voc Level
VOCs are chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene that are typically used to treat carpets before they are sold. They are slowly released into the air after the carpet has been installed, causing both a bad smell and allergy problems. To avoid VOC contamination and allergy issues, look for carpets that have a Low VOC label and air out the room for a few days after the carpeting has been installed. Our trained design associates can help you select a carpet with low VOCs.
Best Robot Vacuum: Irobot Roomba E5
Battery Life: 90 minutes | Cleaning Path Width: 13.39 inches | Mapping: No | Filter Type: Replaceable | Brush Type: Rubber brushes | Smart Capabilities: Yes
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Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
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Random cleaning pattern
With a robot vacuum, you can work less and relax more. The iRobot Roomba E5 Robot Vacuum is one of the few robotic vacuums with a high-efficiency filter, and its ability to pick up dirt, dust, and other particles makes it a great tool for ridding your home of allergens.
This Wi-Fi connected robot vacuum can be controlled from your smartphoneyou can create a custom cleaning schedule, start the tool remotely, and view cleaning maps. The three-stage cleaning system provides five times more suction than other robot vacuums, and the high-efficiency filter captures 99 percent of allergens, dust, and pollen.
Additionally, the Roomba E5 boasts an edge-sweeping brush, automatic height adjustment for carpets and floors, and rubber brushes to capture more debris. While its compact design is a definite plus for cleaning smaller homes and areas that upright vacuums cant reach, the Roombas container tends to fill up quickly, which could become tiresome in a household with multiple shedding pets. It should also be noted that emptying a Roomba requires coming into closer contact with all the dirt and allergens it sucks up than you would with an upright vacuum.
How To Protect Your Health From Dirty Carpets
In order to keep you and your family safe from the health risks associated with dirty carpets, it is necessary to perform regular maintenance and cleaning of your home.The following practices will protect you from the threats posed by dirty carpets and eventually improve the quality of your indoor air.Be careful where you use wall-to-wall carpeting h3Wall-to-wall carpeting has been used by many homeowners to enhance the overall look of their living space. However, while it is an affordable flooring option and makes your home more cozy, it can aggravate allergies and cause more serious respiratory diseases.As weve mentioned, your carpet is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. It is also vulnerable to stains, moisture and dampness, and the accumulation of dust, bugs, dirt, and bacteria.This is why you should make sure not to place carpets all over your home. Avoid carpeting in areas prone to high moisture like your kitchen, bathroom and laundry room. Also, experts suggest to avoid putting carpets in rooms used by people with asthma as they may exacerbate the condition.
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Carpets: A Haven For Allergens
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends replacing carpets with hard flooring, since carpets are notorious for trapping allergens and exacerbating symptoms.
To find environmentally friendly flooring options, consult our Real Money July 2003 article, Eco-Flooring Options, or check the Flooring category of our National Green Pages for sellers of cork, sustainable hardwood, and bamboo flooring.If replacing carpeting isnt an option, vacuum floors at least weekly with a machine that has a high efficiency particulate air filter. Vacuum furniture and curtains as well.Several green companies offer nontoxic allergen-reducing sprays, detergents, and cleaners forcarpeting, upholstery, and more.
These steps will help reduce all five allergens:
What Kind Of Carpet Is Best For People With Allergy
In todays world, there are many carpets made of synthetic materials that you can find on the market. These are much better for allergy sufferers because the materials repel allergens. The most effective allergy-controlling carpet fibers are nylon. The least effective is wool because allergens and mold thrive there. In addition, shag carpeting should be avoided because the shorter the strands the less area there is for particles to be trapped in. Similarly, more tightly woven strands are also better at keeping allergens away. Furthermore, it is important to purchase carpeting with a low VOC level to ensure your home is safe of toxic emissions which, aside from more serious health issues, can also cause allergic reactions.
Not only naturally beautiful, but hardwood floors are also a great choice for people with asthma or allergies as it does not trap allergens or provide an environment for them to grow. The one thing to keep in mind though is that on hard floors, dust and particles are more likely to float around on the surface and hide in corners, so regularly mopping and spot cleaning with an anti-static cloth is important.
Proper maintenance of your carpet will also help reduce allergy-related problems. You have to be sure to vacuum and clean your carpet regularly. You should also consider hiring professional carpet cleaners to perform a periodic deep clean using steam and other methods.
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Best Bagged: Kenmore Elite 31150 Pet Friendly Bagged Upright Beltless Vacuum
Weight: 20 pounds | Bin Volume: 111.59 ounces | Cord Length: 30 feet | Included Accessories: Brush tool, telescoping wand, crevice tool
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Heavy
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Replacement bags add up
Many modern vacuum cleaners are bagless, but if you prefer a bagged vacuum, which actually keeps dust and allergens trapped even when you empty it, one of your best options is the Kenmore Elite Pet & Allergy Friendly Upright Vacuum. This model is actually certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, so you know its a good choice for allergy season.
This upright vacuums 3D Inducer motor system has more power than the average upright, and the vacuum has five height adjustments so you can efficiently clean both hard floors and thick carpets. It features a HEPA filter to capture all those microscopic particles, as well as an infrared dirt sensor that detects dust and dirt you might not be able to see. The Kenmore Elite comes with three attachments and a telescoping wand. However, this model is on the heavier side, weighing in at 20 pounds.
What To Look For In A Floor
Rather than burn the place to the ground after reading those horrifying lists of allergens and where theyre found, were going to look at some options on which flooring is best for allergies, and honestly, which one is the worst.
It helps to have some general guidelines as to what makes a good, hypo-allergenic flooring and what might not be so great. In the case of allergies, this is a short list, however, well get into more detail as we go through each option.
Generally speaking, soft surfaces are not going to be your best option, so stick with harder surface floor products and avoid rugs. That opens you up to a wider variety of flooring options than many other project considerations . Stay toward natural products, rather than man-made, to avoid chemicals.
All that said, if youre not confident or unsure of where to start, reach out to your flooring experts at The Good Guys. Theyre here to help with all your questions from allergy-friendly product selection, to installation and maintenance.
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Here Is A Transcription If You Prefer To Read Instead:
The question about allergies in carpet is something that I think people should ask more about, with regard to, Does carpet increase allergic symptoms or decrease? I believe that it decreases allergic symptoms. Theres a video on our website go to the main part of the site and youll see theres a video called Allergy Video. That video is extensive research done in Europe showing that carpet acts as a filter. It grabs all those different loose particles in the air, because obviously they fall down to the floor, and it holds them, kind of like a filter would. So, if you have your carpet cleaned more often, then, of course, its like cleaning a filter, you can get rid of those things. However, if you dont get your carpet cleaned often, then thats where it becomes a problem for the person that has asthma or any kind of breathing problems.
Carpet Could Be Making Your Allergies Worse
Many homes and apartments that were built in the last few decades feature wall-to-wall carpeting. While carpet can be warm on your feet during the winter months and add beauty to your home, it can be making your allergies worse. See below to find out how carpet could be the reason youre coughing, sneezing, or wheezing and just might be contributing to the pollution of your indoor air quality.
Carpet Can Trap Allergens
If you or one of your family members is suffering from allergies, it just might be caused by the allergens trapped in your carpet. Things like pet dander, pollen, cigarette smoke, and insect debris can hide inside your carpet and when disturbed, can pollute your indoor air quality.
So, what does this mean for you and your family?
It could be making everyone sick. While vacuuming on a regular basis can help, there are other things you may need to do.
Dust Mites Love Carpet
Lets face it, there are dust mites in everyones home. But for those of you that have wall-to-wall carpet, you just might have more than your fair share of them.
Carpet is the perfect breeding ground for dust mites which can cause allergic reactions. If left untreated, dust mites can become a serious problem for those who are allergic.
Mold and Mildew
If your symptoms seem to be getting worse and you just dont feel as healthy as you once were, your carpet could be to blame. But theres no need to worry! Were here to help!
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Are There Times When A Carpet Should Be Removed
Some allergy-sufferers may benefit if wall-to-wall carpeting is removed. If theres carpeting in damp areas of your home, removing it may improve air quality. For instance, a carpet in a bathroom or kitchen is seldom a good idea. The humidity and moisture in these rooms make carpet cleaning a headache.
Bedrooms with hard floors may be better for some. People spend many hours enclosed in a bedroom. This can aggravate asthma if allergens are present. Its important to note that flooring made from synthetic materials can release VOCs . These can trigger allergic reactions. The release of VOCs may last only a few days after installation. Low-VOC flooring is available.
Heavens Best Carpet Cleaning can help you breathe easier by treating your carpet to a deep cleaning that dries in about an hour. Give us a call at 606-2707, or contact us to request a free estimate.
Laying Down The Best Allergy
From hardwood to friendly engineered planks, stone, cork and even retro linoleum, our columnist explores the healthiest flooring choices. First published in Allergic Living magazine to subscribe click here.
ASK most allergists and theyll tell you: for people with allergies and asthma, carpeting can be bad news. It harbors dust, pollen and other allergens it provides a perfect environment for mold and dust mites to grow its difficult to clean and many synthetic carpets emit volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which can trigger asthma and irritate the eyes, nose and throat.
Fortunately, from hardwood to cork to stone tile, there are myriad healthy flooring options today. The key is deciding which ones suit your look, your lifestyle and your budget.
So whether youre pulling up that old shag, youve sanded that hardwood one too many times, or youre finally losing the worn-out laminate, what to put underfoot?
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Carpet Is An Allergen Trap
The very nature of carpet makes it a natural trap for all sorts of allergens. Mold and mildew as mentioned above, but also pollen, pet dander, insect debris, and cigarette smoke. The level at which these things can become trapped in your carpet depend on the type of carpet you have and the thickness of the pile, but even the thinnest carpet contains fibers that accrue allergens. Over time, these substances can cause big problems for people with allergies, even if you vacuum frequently. If you suspect that your carpet is exacerbating the symptoms felt by your homes allergy sufferers, we recommend contacting our local carpet cleaners and making an appointment for a professional steam clean. In fact, this is something we recommend our customers do at least once a year, regardless of whether allergies are involved.
Allergy Season : Why Your Symptoms Are Worse Than Ever
Many people with seasonal allergies are struggling right now, trapped in a vicious cycle of coughing, sneezing, wheezing and itching.
If this sounds like you, you might be wondering whats going on. Is this allergy season particularly brutal, or do your symptoms just seem worse because you were inside and not exposed to many allergens in spring 2020? Or is it all in your head?
According to allergists, its not just you. Its true your allergies may feel worse this year. Heres the deal and how to find some relief:
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Laminate & Vinyl Flooring
Laminate and vinyl flooring meets the criteria of hard surface vs. soft, moving you away from some of the pitfalls of carpet. However, theyre not completely impervious to allergens either. Laminate and vinyl plank flooring dont trap allergens like carpet and theyre generally much easier to clean.
Luxury vinyl plank and vinyl tile flooring are one of the hottest new trends in flooring in recent years. Its durable, easy to clean and comes in a variety of trendsetting colors, patterns, and looks.
Vinyl is a good allergy-friendly alternative as its hard surface qualities make it easy to clean of dust and debris and dont lend towards trapping allergens. Be sure to check the VOC content of both the flooring and the adhesive used to install it, as these can be potent sources of allergy-inducing fumes. Higher-end vinyl products typically are the better option for both durability and VOC content. Truly a you-get-what-you-pay-for situation.
Laminate is a manufactured product and contains limited natural materials. The majority of laminate plank and rigid-core vinyl flooring products require click-lock and floating installation, eliminating the need for adhesives.
What Are The Signs Of An Allergic Reaction To Carpet
The most common signs of a believed allergic reaction to carpet are headache, skin rash and upper respiratory discomfort. Individuals also have reported problems such as cough, fatigue and breathing problems. There has been no evidence that specifically supports an allergy to carpet, but some people believe that it is possible. With new carpet, this is thought to be the result of breathing 4-phenylcyclohexene , a chemical that is often used in the production of floor coverings. A reaction to an older carpet usually develops because of things such as mold, mites or dust trapped in its fibers, not because of the carpet itself.
An allergic reaction to carpet that has recently been installed typically does not last long. The low emission 4-PC chemical fumes usually dissipate within a few days. Some people are sensitive to the smell of the fumes, but others might not notice it at all. The severity of the reaction can vary depending on the materials used as well. Often, the padding and other accessories for installation will also emit fumes.
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Diagnosis Of Carpet Allergy In Cats
There are several ways to determine what your cat is allergic to, but it can take time, and your cat needs help now. In the meantime, the veterinarian will do an examination and a number of laboratory tests to eliminate other potential causes of your pet& rsquo s symptoms such as fleas, dry skin, or parasites. You also need to provide the veterinarian with your cat& rsquo s complete medical history and any recent illnesses and injuries. Additionally, if you have given your cat any medications, it is essential that you tell the veterinarian because some drugs can interfere with the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Some of the laboratory tests that your veterinarian will probably do include a skin scrape, ear swab and skin tape cytology, and bacterial and fungal cultures. Some of these tests take from 24 hours to a week for results but the veterinarian may decide your cat& rsquo s symptoms are severe enough to warrant treatment right away. If the results from the tests come back positive for any other conditions, they will be treated at that time.
Carpet Care For Allergy Sufferers
Its important to note that any carpet — whether its branded as hypoallergenic or not — must be regularly and properly cleaned in order to cut down on the presence of allergens in the home. Unlike the smooth surfaces of wood, linoleum, or vinyl flooring, the fibers of a carpet can trap and hold dust, dander, and pollen. These substances are then released back into the air when you walk over your carpet.
A strict vacuuming schedule can help, but you need a vacuum cleaner with a good filter, or you may just end up making those allergens airborne all over again. Adding regular carpet washing and shampooing to your housekeeping rotation is another great way to cut back on the amount of potentially irritating particles in your home.
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