Rug recommendations for allergy sufferers from the experts
Most people believe that house dust mites prefer to nest in rugs. That is why many allergy sufferers do without decorative floor coverings. However, it is much more the case that dust and mites spread out in a thin layer on smooth floors such as parquet, laminate or tiles, and are stirred up with every step. Rugs are therefore a good idea for allergy sufferers. But what should allergy sufferers bear in mind when buying a rug?
While the term “dust trap” has long been used somewhat contemptuously to describe rugs, doctors and scientists today agree that it is precisely this property of rugs that protects many house dust mite allergy sufferers from allergic reactions. While the dust raised by smooth floors takes some time to settle again, the dust from rugs is bound and can be removed more easily. Of course, there is no way around regular vacuuming, but in theory you would have to clean your entire apartment from top to bottom every day to contain dust mites – you will never get rid of them completely anyway! But not all rugs are ideal for allergy sufferers. There are some recommendations that allergy sufferers should consider when choosing their rug.
Long-pile vs. short-pile rugs for allergy sufferers
A rug for allergy sufferers must be easy to clean. Short-pile rugs are clearly the better choice here. The short fibers prevent too much dust from collecting. The dust can be removed with a vacuum cleaner in a short time. In a long-pile rug, however, the dust usually sits much deeper and even causes problems for a high-performance vacuum cleaner. If you compare natural fiber rugs and synthetic fiber rugs, then synthetic fiber rugs are the better choice for allergy sufferers. A synthetic fiber rug made of polyester, acrylic or polypropylene is much easier to clean than a natural fiber rug. Rugs for allergy sufferers should never be made of wool. Wool rugs have the disadvantage that they form an ideal breeding ground for mites due to their own fat and moisture content.
What types of rugs are available for allergy sufferers?
All types of high-quality short-pile rugs are suitable for allergy sufferers. These are available in the most beautiful colors, with or without patterns, and in a wide variety of shapes. In addition to stylish short-pile rugs made of synthetic fibers, these also include robust kilim rugs made of pure new wool or cotton rugs. A new wool rug has the added advantage of being dirt-repellent and easy to clean. This makes it suitable not only as a rug for allergy sufferers, for example in the bedroom, but also as an outdoor rug.
What about an elegant Persian rug? Most classic Persian rugs are also hand-knotted from virgin wool. The Gabbeh rugs, which are elaborately hand-woven with countless knots, also fall into the short-pile category. Artful natural fiber sisal rugs also protect allergy sufferers from sneezing, coughing and allergic skin reactions.
A sisal rug is also extremely durable and can be used on both sides. Or how about a colorful patchwork rug made of polyester? Moth-resistant, lint-free, sound-absorbing and also suitable for underfloor heating – these are just a few of the advantages offered by a high-quality patchwork rug.
Rugs that allergy sufferers should avoid
A rug is considered to be a high-pile rug from a fiber height of 1.5 cm, and a long-pile rug from a fiber height of 5 cm. Both types of rug are not suitable for allergy sufferers, even if they are possibly made of synthetic fibers. The dust can settle quite deeply in high-pile and long-pile rugs and is then almost impossible to remove even with a powerful vacuum cleaner. The only thing that helps here is professional rug cleaning, which not everyone can afford on a regular basis. Fur rugs are an absolute no-go for allergy sufferers, regardless of whether they are extravagant cowhide rugs, lambskin rugs or faux fur rugs.
Tips for cleaning rugs for allergy sufferers
To fight the dust mites in the rug and avoid possible allergic reactions, there are a few simple tips that anyone, whether an allergy sufferer or not, can easily implement:
It is best to clean the rug daily with a vacuum cleaner, but at least three times a week.
Use a powerful filter or water vacuum cleaner to clean the rug. Air vacuums are less suitable for allergy sufferers.
Vacuum cleaner bags with an antibacterial coating are ideal. The most effective are class 13 HEPA filters.
Portable rugs should be cleaned in the fresh air so that any dust particles have as little chance as possible of being redeposited in the home.
Allergy sufferers can breathe a sigh of relief and beautify their homes with comfortable rugs. Rugs even have a positive property as dust catchers, as long as they are cleaned regularly. If you are an allergy sufferer and want to buy a rug, a short-pile rug made of synthetic fiber, sisal or virgin wool is best. Fortunately, there are countless varieties of short-pile Morgenland rugs, so there is sure to be something for every taste.
Frequently asked questions about rugs for allergy sufferers
Which rugs are suitable for allergy sufferers?
If you suffer from allergies, it is important to find the right type of rugs for your home. Here are some options to consider:
1. polypropylene rugs:
These synthetic rugs are a good choice because they do not attract dust particles and are easy to clean.
2. Wool rugs:
These rugs are naturally hypoallergenic and can help improve indoor air quality by trapping dust and allergens and preventing them from being released into the air.
3. Sisal rugs:
These rugs are made from natural fibers and are a good option for allergy sufferers because they don't release as much dust into the air.
4. Jute rugs:
These are another option made from natural fibers that can help you reduce allergens in your home.
5. Lawn rugs:
Lawn rugs, which are usually made from materials such as seagrass or bamboo, are known for their durability and low allergy potential.
When choosing a rug, be sure to consider factors such as its ability to trap allergens, ease of cleaning, and the type of fibers used. Regular vacuuming with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a mechanical brush head can also help remove allergens from the rug surface.