To choose flooring that helps minimize exposure to allergens, Sublett says, “generally we think smooth surfaces of any type are the best.’’ Allergens and other particles settle on floors and surfaces of the house, and every time people or animals walk across a floor they stir settled particles into the air, making it possible to breathe them in. Carpets, Sublett says, trap and act as a reservoir for these small particles. Smooth flooring surfaces such as wood or linoleum make it easier to wipe or wash the dust and allergens away; he says that no particular type of smooth material is better than another. The same problem with carpets is true for other soft household surfaces, like plush upholstery or drapes; smooth upholstery and shades or blinds are easier to keep clean.
To clean smooth floors, Sublett recommends using a product that attracts and traps dust rather than a broom. Launder throw rugs regularly in hot water. If it’s too impractical or expensive to remove carpets, he recommends cleaning them with a vacuum that has HEPA filtration, and to choose a vacuum that traps particles in a hard shell container. Take the container outside to empty it, rather than dumping contents in an indoor trash.
While regularly cleaning floors can help reduce allergy and asthma symptoms, the act of cleaning can trigger a reaction by stirring dust up. Sublett often advises allergic patients to use a face mask when they’re cleaning; look for masks labeled N95 and approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Parents with kids who have severe allergies or asthma may want to clean floors when they’re away from the home.
Send health questions to globeanswers@gmail.com
