Is Carpet Bad for Asthma?

If you’re one of the many people dealing with asthma, you’ve probably been given a long list of things to avoid: animal dander, dust mites, pollen, and even cold drinks! And somewhere on that list, you might have heard that carpets are a big no-no, while hardwood floors or tiles are the preferred flooring for those with sensitive airways. 

But is this really true? Are carpets truly the enemy of asthmatics, or is there more to the story?

Can Carpet Cause Respiratory Problems?

It’s true that carpets can trap things like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens within their fibres. These particles settle deep into the carpet and stay there, hidden from sight. But when you walk across the carpet or vacuum it, these trapped particles get stirred up and become airborne.

This is where the trouble starts. For people with asthma, breathing in these airborne particles can trigger or worsen symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Even if you don’t have asthma, a dirty carpet can affect your indoor air quality and make it harder to breathe comfortably, especially if you have other respiratory conditions.

So, while carpets themselves might not cause respiratory problems, they can make things worse if they aren’t cleaned regularly.

Can Carpet Make Asthma Worse?

Now, narrowing in on asthma specifically, do carpets worsen this condition?

Imagine those allergens we discussed earlier—dust mites, pet dander, and mould spores—settling deep into your carpet fibres. Every time you walk across the carpet or use the vacuum, these microscopic particles get stirred up into the air you breathe. This can be a major trigger for asthma attacks.

And it’s not just speculation. Studies have shown that carpets can harbour significantly higher levels of dust mites and other allergens compared to hard floors. In fact, one study found that installing carpet led to increased exposure to dust mite allergens while removing it significantly reduced these allergens.

This build-up of allergens is especially concerning for those with allergic asthma because, for these individuals, exposure to allergens in the environment, such as those found in carpets, can trigger an attack.

The impact of carpets on asthma can even be seen in workplaces. One study found that the combination of carpeted floors and mould in the workplace significantly increased the risk of asthma. And when it comes to home settings, another study involving children showed that carpets placed in their bedrooms before the age of 5 were associated with an increased likelihood of them developing childhood asthma.

So, while carpets might not cause asthma, they can certainly create an environment where asthma symptoms are more likely to flare up, especially if they’re not properly cleaned and maintained.

What Are the Symptoms of Carpet Allergy?

Think your carpet might be contributing to your sniffles and sneezes? It’s not uncommon for allergens hiding in carpets to trigger allergic reactions.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially after being in a carpeted room, a carpet allergy might be at play:

• Sneezing: Those sudden, uncontrollable bursts of air from your nose.
• Runny or stuffy nose: That constant need to sniffle or the feeling of congestion.
• Itchy eyes: Eyes that feel irritated, watery, or just plain itchy.
• Coughing: A persistent cough that seems to worsen in carpeted areas.
• Skin rashes: Red, itchy patches on your skin after contact with the carpet.

For asthmatics, these carpet allergens can aggravate existing symptoms, leading to:

• Wheezing: That whistling sound when you breathe.
• Chest tightness: A feeling of pressure or constriction in your chest.
• Difficulty breathing: Struggling to take a full, deep breath.

Identifying the root cause of these symptoms, whether it’s dust mites, mould, or other allergens trapped in the carpet, is crucial in managing the problem and finding relief.

A Guide to Carpet for Asthma and Allergy Sufferers

If you have your heart set on the comfort and warmth of carpets in your home but are concerned about asthma or allergies, there’s no need to worry! Choosing the right type of carpet can potentially make a difference in keeping your allergies and symptoms at bay and maintaining a healthy indoor environment. 

With so many options available, it’s important to select carpets that are less likely to trigger allergies or aggravate respiratory conditions. So, what are the best types of carpets and rugs to choose if you’re sensitive to allergens?

1. Woollen Carpet

Contrary to popular belief, wool carpets can be a good choice for people with allergies and asthma. This is because wool is a natural fibre that’s great at repelling dust mites, those tiny critters that often trigger allergies. Why? Because wool naturally wicks away moisture, making it difficult for dust mites to survive.

Plus, wool is gentle on the skin and less likely to cause irritation for those with eczema or other skin sensitivities. So, if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic carpet option that’s both comfortable and healthy, wool is definitely worth considering.

2. Nylon Carpet

If you’re looking for a durable and easy-to-clean carpet, nylon might be the way to go. While it’s a synthetic material, nylon carpets are often made with special treatments that help repel allergens. This means dust mites, pet dander, and other allergy triggers have a harder time clinging to the fibres.

Nylon is also known for its toughness and ability to stand up against heavy foot traffic, making it a wise choice for busy households. Plus, its easy-to-clean nature means you can keep those allergens at bay with regular vacuuming and cleaning.

Keep Your Carpet Clean

But it’s not just about picking the best carpet for allergies and asthma; it’s also about keeping it clean! Regular cleaning is crucial to minimise those pesky allergens and create a healthier home environment.

As mentioned, carpets naturally trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and more that can all affect the indoor air quality. This is where carpet cleaning services such as those offered by Singapore Carpet Cleaning can come in to effectively remove these trapped allergens using specialised equipment and techniques.

Regular vacuuming is also important to remove surface dust and prevent airborne particles from triggering asthma attacks. Aim to vacuum high-traffic areas at least once or twice a week.

In addition to that, deep cleaning your carpets once or twice a year provides a more thorough clean and helps maintain a healthy indoor environment. 

When you engage in our professional carpet cleaning services, we use effective methods like hot water extraction to ensure a deep clean. This method involves injecting cleaning agents at high pressure to loosen dirt and then extracting the debris with a powerful vacuum.

Ready to give your carpets the deep clean they deserve? Contact Singapore Carpet Cleaning today to learn more about our comprehensive carpet cleaning services in Singapore, including specialised options like office carpet cleaning.