Breathe Easy With Carpet in 2025

Air quality is a major consideration for anyone living with asthma or allergies, and reducing airborne dust and allergens can make a noticeable difference. Interestingly, a significant study by the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB) (ALLERGIE konkret 2/2005) found that wall-to-wall carpet can actually improve indoor air quality by halving airborne dust levels compared to hard flooring. While these allergies are difficult to eradicate, there are surface and material selections for your home which can minimise these issues.

The researchers highlighted how important it is for those with respiratory conditions to choose flooring that holds onto dust, rather than allowing it to become airborne — a small but impactful change for better breathing. With regular cleaning and care, carpet can help trap dust particles in its fibres, keeping them out of the air you breathe. Unlike hard flooring, where dust tends to float back up into the room, carpet works to lock those allergens down. So, if you love the comfort and warmth of carpet, there’s peace of mind knowing it can support a healthier indoor environment.

For more detailed insights on this topic, head to the Carpet Institute Website, where you’ll find helpful information about allergens, flooring, and indoor air quality.

There are other elements of home maintenance which also affect the level of allergens and dust mites in the home. Ensure surfaces such as floors, shelves, artwork frames and architraves are dust free by vacuuming and dusting regularly. Mop hard flooring as well post-vacuuming to eliminate dust completely. Invest in good vacuum technology and make sure to inquire what the best possible product is for you and your situation.

Ventilation is also important. Choose days which are not so breezy to allow fresh air into the home. Natural ventilation through door and windows is beneficial to the homes energy while breaking through any stale smells. Ensure the air-conditioning and heating filters are kept constantly clean and serviced in your home. This will minimise any additional airborne dust from being filtered back into the room.

Consider your pets in the home. While pets are a welcome inclusion to any home, perhaps they may be better kept in areas where there are more hard surfaces than plush carpets. This way any shedding of the loose hair will be easily maintained and removed. Wool loop carpet and synthetic varieties are not great for pet claws which can get caught in the loop piles. You can explore our Pets and Carpet Guide for options.

Dunlop Fresh Living underlay promotes healthier living for our customers. This proven antimicrobial protects against dust mites, damaging bacteria, mould and mildew – significant triggers for asthma, hay fever and eczema. It also prevents odours and provides hygienic freshness.

There’s nothing quite like the cosy feel of carpet under your feet — warm, soft, and oh-so-inviting. To keep your carpet looking its best and feeling luxurious, a bit of regular care goes a long way. Like any flooring, carpet thrives with consistent, preventative maintenance.

Here’s how to keep it looking lovely:

• Vacuum often – Aim for once a week using a vacuum without a rotating brush or turbo head. Stick to suction-only settings or the gentlest option available to prevent the fibres from frizzing.
• Act fast on spills – Blot (don’t rub!) with a clean white cloth or paper towel. Rinse with water and blot dry to remove any sticky residue that might attract more dirt.
• Book in a professional clean – Every now and then, treat your carpet to a deep clean by the pros to lift out ground-in dirt.

A few extra tips:

• Place mats at entryways to trap dirt and grit before it gets in.
• Remember, what looks like a stain might just be soil stuck to residue left behind.
• Steer clear of too much moisture or strong cleaners.
• Not sure? Call the experts!

With a little love, your carpet will stay looking and feeling fabulous.

Hopefully, these few tips will lessen the impacts of allergies in the home and make it a more pleasant haven for allergy sufferers! Visit one of our Flooring Xtra stores and we will happily show you your options and offer our advice to ensure you have ‘A fabulous flooring experience’ and hopefully less sniffling and sneezing.

What is the best type of carpet for a home?

Choosing new carpet for your home is a big decision and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every home and family are different. Do you have pets? Small children? Is your home a holiday rental? Each carpet fibre and structure lends itself to a different look and budget and you can read more about them all in our Carpet Guide.

Where can I buy carpet?

Flooring Xtra have a wide range of carpets across varying price, fibre and style categories, with stores conveniently located Australia-wide! To find your nearest Flooring Xtra store you can use our Store Finder.

What flooring is good for coastal homes?

There are many great solutions for homes by the beach. It’s important to consider how much maintenance you would like to upkeep and the resilience of the flooring that will withstand the extra elements that coastal living incurs (we’re looking at you, sand!). Easy-to-maintain flooring also includes laminates and vinyls as well as easy-to clean-carpets. You can read more about this on our blog.