The Best Flooring Choices for Allergy Sufferers
Spring is here, and for many people, that means allergy season is in full swing. Pollen, dust, and pet dander can trigger allergies, making it essential to choose flooring that helps reduce allergens rather than trap them. If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, the right flooring can make a big difference in indoor air quality and overall comfort.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best flooring options for allergy sufferers and what to avoid.
Why Flooring Matters for Allergies
Certain flooring types can trap allergens like dust, pet hair, and pollen, making it harder to keep your home allergen-free. The best allergy-friendly floors are those that are easy to clean and don’t harbour dust mites, mould, or pet dander.
Best Flooring Options for Allergy Sufferers
1. Hardwood Flooring
Why it’s great: Hardwood is one of the best options for allergy sufferers because it doesn’t trap dust, pollen, or pet dander. It’s also easy to clean with a damp mop, reducing the spread of allergens.
Best types: Oak, maple, and walnut are durable choices. Opt for sealed hardwood to prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to mould.
We have two choices at Floor Coverings, Ted Todd and our very own French Collection, both with a number of different choices and a variety in texture and colours.
Maintenance tip: Regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping keep allergens at bay.
2. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) & Vinyl Flooring
Why it’s great: Vinyl is non-porous and smooth, making it easy to clean. It doesn’t trap allergens like carpets do and is resistant to mould and mildew.
Best types: Look for low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) vinyl to ensure better indoor air quality.
Amtico and Karndean are both great options here for LVT, both boasting their low-VOC and anti allergen properties.
Thinking of LVT but still not quite sure – read more on why we at Floor Coverings love LVT
Maintenance tip: Weekly mopping with a mild cleaner keeps floors free from dust and allergens.
Read about our Spring Cleaning tips and tricks
3. Tile Flooring (Ceramic or Porcelain)
Why it’s great: Tile is resistant to mould, mildew, and dust accumulation. It’s also one of the easiest flooring types to sanitise.
Best types: Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles are excellent for allergy sufferers as they don’t absorb allergens. We don’t stock tiles at Floor Coverings (mainly because we think LVT is even better!)
4. Hypoallergenic Carpet
Why it’s great: While traditional carpets can trap dust and allergens, modern hypoallergenic carpets are designed with tightly woven fibres that resist dust mites and mould. Many are made with low-VOC materials to improve indoor air quality.
Best types:
Low-pile carpets (like Berber) trap fewer allergens than high-pile carpets.
Synthetic fibres (such as nylon or polyester) resist moisture and mould growth.
Carpets with built-in antimicrobial treatments help prevent bacteria buildup.
Westex Carpets, one of our top-selling brands, comes with an ‘allergy guard’ an active ingredient that doesn’t allow the debris to decay into the food that dust mites thrive on. It also inhibits the development of bacteria and mould.
Maintenance tip: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and deep clean carpets regularly to reduce allergens.
How to keep your carpets fresh.
Flooring to Avoid if You Have Allergies
🚫 Traditional High-Pile Carpet – Traps dust, pet dander, and pollen, making it difficult to keep allergens under control.
🚫 Unsealed Concrete – Can absorb moisture and promote mould growth.
🚫 Old or Poorly Maintained Floors – Cracks, gaps, or damaged surfaces can harbour dust and allergens.
Final Thoughts
If allergies are a concern, switching to an easy-to-clean, non-porous flooring option can help improve indoor air quality and reduce allergen buildup. Hardwood, vinyl, tile, and hypoallergenic carpet are all excellent choices. Pairing these floors with regular cleaning and a good air filtration system will create a healthier home environment.
Thinking about upgrading your flooring to an allergy-friendly option? Contact us today for a free measure and quote!
Give us a call on 01223 233233 or pop into our showroom – open Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm.