Carpet vs. Hard Floors: Which is Best for Allergies?

If you visit an allergist, their first advice is often "rip out the carpets." But the carpet industry claims carpet acts as a "filter" that traps dust. Who is telling the truth? The answer depends on how you clean.

1. The "Sponge" Effect

Carpet does hold onto dust, pollen, and skin flakes. On hard floors, these particles skitter around like tumbleweeds until they are airborne again.

• Pro: Walking on carpet kicks up less dust than walking on a dusty hard floor, because the carpet holds it tight.
• Con: It holds it forever. A square meter of carpet can hold 4 times its weight in dirt before it looks dirty. It is a reservoir of allergens waiting to be disturbed.

2. The Vacuum Problem

You cannot clean carpet perfectly. It is physically impossible.

• Physics: Even the best vacuum only removes dirt from the top 30-50% of the pile. The base of the carpet—and the pad underneath—becomes a permanent graveyard for grit and dust mites.
• Hard Floors: You can wipe them 100% clean. A damp mop removes virtually every allergen. There is nowhere to hide.

3. VOCs and Glue

New carpet smells "new" because of 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH) in the latex backing. It off-gasses for months.

• The Hard Floor Advantage: Tile, ceramic, and sealed wood have near-zero emissions. Vinyl and laminate can have VOCs, but usually less than carpet.

4. Moisture and Mold

This is the dealbreaker. If carpet gets wet (leaks, spills, high humidity), mold grows in the pad. You cannot see it, but you can smell it.

• Hard Floors: If tile gets wet, you wipe it. If wood gets wet, it might warp, but it doesn't instantly become a mold sponge.

5. The Verdict for Allergy Sufferers

Hard floors are objectively better for health.

• Best: Tile, hardwood, linoleum, or polished concrete.
• Compromise: Low-pile area rugs that can be taken outside and beaten or sent to professional cleaners.
• Worst: Wall-to-wall high-pile carpet, especially in bedrooms and basements.

Summary

Carpet feels cozy, but for your lungs, hard floors are the clear winner. If you must keep carpet, a HEPA vacuum is mandatory, not optional.