Hypoallergenic rugs: Breathe easy at home
BY MARTINA, RUG EXPERT AT RUGVISTA | PUBLISHED: 13/06/2024
4 MIN READ
Suffering from allergies but crave the beauty of a rug? Dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and a sensitivity to chemicals can turn a rug into a source of sniffles and itches. But fear not! There are fantastic hypoallergenic rugs that offer both the warmth and beauty you crave, alongside features that promote clean air and a comfortable home. Below, we’ve explored some of the best rugs for allergies and provided essential tips to help you breathe easy and create true comfort in your home.
Finding the best hypoallergenic rug for your home
If you are extra sensitive to chemicals used within the textile industry or want to lower the risk of getting harmful chemicals into your home, look for certifications such as the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, where an independent party has tested the product and its chemicals. OEKO-TEX® is a globally uniform and independent testing and certification system for textiles. The certification means the finished product is free from harmful chemicals, making it safe for the consumer. Both rugs made from natural materials and rugs made from synthetic materials can be certified according to the Standard 100 label, and you can find both types in our assortment. If the rug you’re looking at is certified, you’ll find the OEKO-TEX® information on the product page under the “Sustainability” tab. All our producers have signed to comply with the REACH regulation, which aims to enhance the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that chemicals can pose.
What type of rugs are best for allergies?
The best anti-allergy rugs are usually manufactured with a low pile height. This helps to ensure that they’re less likely to trap allergens and dust, making them easier to clean and maintain. In comparison, their fluffy counterparts — shaggy rugs — are much more prone to trapping dust and pollen due to their high pile height.
What are the best rug materials for allergies?
When choosing a rug for allergy sufferers, carefully considering materials is key. Cotton and wool are common choices due to their natural resistance to allergens. Just remember to be aware that wool allergies can be common, too.
Cotton rugs
Easy to care for, cotton rugs are naturally breathable and anti-static. Choose tightly woven varieties for optimal dust and allergen resistance. Cotton rugs are considered hypoallergenic carpets due to a few key factors:
- Less hospitable to allergens: Unlike synthetic fibres, cotton doesn’t provide a favourable environment for dust mites, a major allergy culprit. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments, and cotton’s breathability helps prevent moisture build-up that attracts them.
- Simpler fibre structure: Synthetic fibres can have complex textures that trap dust, dander, and other allergens deep within. Cotton’s natural fibres are smoother, making it easier to remove allergens during cleaning.
Wool rugs
Built to last, wool rugs are a wise investment. They’re not only naturally hypoallergenic but also incredibly durable, warm, and comfortable. Wool’s natural properties make it an allergy-resistant choice for rugs. Here’s why:
- Inhospitable to dust mites: Wool contains lanolin, a natural oil that repels dust mites, a common allergy trigger. Unlike synthetic fibres, dust mites struggle to thrive and reproduce in wool.
- Moisture control: Wool is naturally moisture-wicking, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture in the air. This helps prevent mould and mildew growth, which can also be allergens.
- Traps allergens, not harbours them: Wool fibres have a slightly barbed structure that traps dust and allergens like pollen and pet dander. However, unlike synthetic fibres, wool doesn’t hold onto these allergens permanently. Regular hoovering effectively removes them.
- But remember: While wool offers these benefits, it’s not entirely allergy-free. Some people might be allergic to lanolin itself or other components of wool. If you have severe allergies, it’s always best to consult a doctor before getting a wool rug.
Do rugs help with allergies?
Absolutely! Anti-allergy rugs act as a barrier, trapping dust and allergens before they reach your nose or airways. Additionally, regular hoovering to keep your rug clean helps remove these trapped allergens, preventing them from circulating in your home.
Breathe easier and live freely
Choosing the right anti-allergy rug can significantly improve indoor air quality and alleviate allergy symptoms. By investing in high-quality, hypoallergenic rugs, you can create a cleaner and healthier living space for yourself and your loved ones.
Important to remember:
- Hypoallergenic isn’t allergy-proof: While cotton is less likely to trigger allergies, it’s not entirely allergen-free. Mould spores or pollen trapped in the fibres could still cause issues for some people.
- Regular cleaning is key: Regular rug care is essential to ensuring that the presence of allergens is kept to a minimum, regardless of the material your rug is made from. Look for flatweave or low-pile options for easier cleaning and maintenance.
Rugs and dust mite allergies
Dust mite allergies are incredibly common, affecting millions of people worldwide. They’re caused by microscopic creatures which thrive in warm, humid environments. Dust mites droppings act as allergens, triggering an inflammatory response in the bodies of sensitive individuals.
A rug can be beneficial for individuals with dust mite allergies. Choosing high-quality rugs made from materials that resist dust mites and are easy to clean can help reduce the presence of allergens in the home.
Additionally, certain types of low pile rugs with low piles are less likely to trap dust mites and other allergens compared to thick ones. Regular cleaning and maintenance of these rugs can further reduce allergen levels, making the indoor environment more comfortable for allergy sufferers.
With some research and careful selection, you can find the perfect hypoallergenic rug that matches your style and alleviates your allergy woes. Breathe easy, live freely, and enjoy a more comfortable home environment!