If you are allergic to dust mites and pet dander like 35 million other Americans, consider the benefits of hardwood flooring for your home.
You may be wondering how your floor could possibly affect your health, but it has more of an impact that you may think. If you are allergic to dust mites and pet dander like 35 million other Americans, consider the benefits of hardwood flooring for your home. Limiting your exposure to these harmful allergens can improve your overall health.
Let’s Talk About Carpet
A house that has only wooden floors and rugs typically has only a tenth of the dust that a carpeted house has. Pollutants that contaminate indoor air and reduce indoor air quality are more likely to live in carpeting. Some examples include dust mites, pet dander, and pesticides. Dust mites are tiny creatures that look like spiders and are invisible to the naked eye. It is their waste products that cause allergic reactions in humans. Pesticides are used in gardens and lawns and can accumulate on other surfaces around the home. When pesticides settle on such surfaces, they are more difficult to remove and are less likely to be eliminated from a carpeted area. Pet dander is shed from dogs and cats and is a powerful allergen for many people. It is known to stick to carpet flooring.
The Benefits of Hardwood Flooring
It has been proven that dust mites, pesticides, and pet dander do not cling to hardwood floors. Hardwood floors greatly reduce the risk of accumulation, although a proper cleaning regime is still definitely necessary. While natural wood oils have strong antibacterial properties, it is important to perform regular maintenance on floors and rugs. It is recommended that you clean rugs in hot water that is at least 130 degrees. This temperature setting can help kill dust mites. While hardwood floors aren’t a safe haven for parasites and pesticides, it is important to clean them with a microfiber mop and maintain a healthy atmosphere.
Hardwood floors can be a staple in a home and be a status symbol. Thus, they are a wonderful asset to any home. If you or any members of your family have sensitive allergies, it may be a better idea to forego getting carpeting and install some hardwood instead.
Trust John K. Eareckson & Co. For Your Flooring
Working with John K. Eareckson & Co. Flooring ensures a quality that cannot be beat! We will ensure your hardwood floors undergo a stress free acclimation process so that they will sparkle for years to come. Our stress free and seamless process of installation to years of maintenance, John K. Eareckson & Co. Flooring has the expertise and experience to care for your home’s hardwood floors. Check out our Project Gallery for an idea of what we can do for you. For a consultation and more information visit us online or give us a call at 410-788-4200. You can also follow us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.