Wood Flooring for Asthma and Allergies

More and more frequently we are being called into homes to fit wood flooring, or to strip out carpets and sand the existing floorboards when people within the household suffer with asthma or allergies.

Carpets acts as a reservoir for allergens that trigger asthma attacks and other allergic reactions. Wood floors are much easier to keep free of dust mites, pollen, pet dander (dead skin cells and pet hair) and other allergens, in fact, it essentially eradicates dust mites. Of course, it’s not realistic to expect to keep all allergens out of your home, but the installation of wood floors makes the task of getting rid of them considerably easier

Wood floors are much easier than carpets to keep free of dust mites, pollen, dander (dead skin cells and pet hair) and other allergens, in fact, it essentially eradicates dust mites. Of course, it’s not realistic to expect to keep all allergens out of your home, but the installation of wood floors makes the task of getting rid of them considerably easier.

A simple vacuum and damp mop will suffice to keep your wood floors clear of dust and other allergens. A carpet will contain many more ‘nasties’, even after vacuuming, unless it is frequently steam cleaned. Even then it will have far more allergens within the pile than a wood floor ever will, the below photo demonstrates how particles travel down the carpet fibers. These tiny mites are too small to be seen with the naked eye and excrete waste products that cause allergic symptoms.

We frequently complete jobs for individuals and families whose asthma dramatically improves after the removal of carpet, and either a fresh sanding and finish of the existing floors, or the installation of an engineered wood floor.

That dust, dander and pollen will still end up on your floor with wood floors, only it won’t settle the same way as with carpet. They are just on the surface and are much easier to remove, keeping your living space free from the multiplying effect that occurs with carpet fibers.


For any more help and advice please feel free to call us on 01962 733016 or email info@winchesterwoodfloors.co.uk and we can get your flooring project off the ground today!