Hardwood vs. Carpet: Which Is Better for Your Health?

Allergens like dust, pet dander and even mold are prevalent in homes across the globe. Some of these allergens, particularly mold, cause severe discomfort and even pose life-threatening health issues for many individuals. But is carpet bad for allergies, and is there a healthier flooring option out there?

Keep reading to learn more about your flooring options and how they affect your health.

Is carpet bad for allergies?

Carpeting is often considered the worst flooring option for allergy sufferers because contaminants like mold spores get trapped in the fibers and then float up in the air when disturbed. However, that doesn’t mean carpet is necessarily a health risk. A homeowner can prevent these allergens from becoming an issue by vacuuming regularly and scheduling carpet cleaning once a year.

Does hardwood prevent mold?

Since there are no fibers for allergens to become trapped in, hardwood floors are one of the top choices for those with bad allergies. But does hardwood prevent mold? Not necessarily.

Hardwood is dried, treated and sealed before it’s installed to defend against mold, but mold can still grow on or under the wooden surface if it’s not handled appropriately. Just like with carpeting, the only way to ensure your floors don’t have mold growth is to keep them clean.

Is one flooring material better than the other?

The answer to, “Which flooring option is better for your health?” is tricky. While carpeting is undoubtedly worse for allergens, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid it—just keep it clean and dry. The same is true for hardwood.

Carpet should never be used in bathrooms, kitchens or other rooms that are prone to becoming wet. Wet carpeting is a breeding ground for dangerous mold spores. Wood should also be avoided in these rooms. Wet wood can eventually rot and start to develop mold if left untreated.

If you’re building a home or remodeling one, just be smart about your flooring choices. We advise choosing luxury vinyl for your kitchen and bathrooms. This material is easy to clean, won’t rot and is less likely to become a breeding ground for mold.

How can I prevent mold growth?

In addition to keeping your floors clean, you can lessen the chance of mold growth by lowering the humidity level inside your home. Mold thrives in humid environments, so try to keep your humidity level below 50 percent. This can be accomplished by running a dehumidifier and keeping bathroom vents on when showering.

Get your home tested today

Hiring a professional to perform a mold test is another way to mitigate the effects of mold in your home. Professional mold testing will tell you where mold is growing and what type of mold it is. After the test, your professional can perform a remediation procedure to clear up any mold and reduce the risk of it coming back anytime soon.

Contact our team at HealthSafe Inspections, Inc. to schedule a mold inspection or to get answers to any of your questions, like, “Does hardwood prevent mold?”

Categorised in: Indoor Air Quality

This post was written by Writer