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Parquet and allergies: wood flooring for a healthier environment
We often don’t think about it, but the floor we choose for our home can have a significant impact on air quality and exposure to allergens. Some solutions tend to trap dust, dust mites and pollen, worsening symptoms for allergy sufferers. By contrast, parquet and other smooth options offer advantages due to being easy to clean and less likely to retain allergens. In this article we explore how choosing wood flooring is the best solution for those who want a stylish home that can improve the well-being and health of the whole family.
The benefits of wood flooring for a healthy environment
We have mentioned it: floors such as parquet or other smooth materials are a more favourable solution for those who are sensitive to allergens. The hard, smooth surface of parquet, for example, prevents dust and bacteria from penetrating and lingering in the material, facilitating deeper and more effective cleaning. Simply wiping with a damp cloth or using a hoover is enough to remove dust residues and allergens, thus contributing to an improved air quality.
Besides, wood is a non-allergenic and naturally antibacterial material. Various studies show that wood not only prevents the proliferation of bacteria and mould, but also has a natural resistance to mites, the main culprits of breathing allergies. This means that, unlike carpets and rugs, parquet does not form a ‘nest’ for these allergens, thus maintaining a healthier indoor environment.
Another point in favour of parquet is the ease with which it can be cleaned without using aggressive chemicals, which in turn can irritate those who are sensitive. Parquet floors treated with water-based varnishes, which are free of toxic solvents, also offer additional advantages for those who wish to avoid emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), thus improving air quality.
Choosing parquet is not just a matter of aesthetics, therefore, but an investment in health and well-being. Thanks to its ability to keep dust and allergens at bay, parquet becomes an ally for those who desire a hygienic home environment free of potential irritants.
How to keep parquet clean and safe for people with allergies
Keeping parquet clean and safe for allergy sufferers requires specific care, but with this type of floor, it is easier than many other types of flooring. The smooth surface of parquet reduces the accumulation of dust, dust mites and pollen, making it easier to clean and helping to improve the quality of the air at home. Here are some useful tips for keeping parquet in perfect condition and minimising the presence of allergens.
The rules of cleaning, hoovers and natural products
First of all, regular cleaning is essential. For dust removal, use a hoover equipped with a HEPA filter, which captures the smallest particles and prevents them from being released into the air. After vacuuming, wiping with a damp microfibre cloth is an effective way to remove any residue without damaging the wood. It is important that the cloth is well wrung out, as excess water could damage the surface of the parquet, causing swelling or stains.
The use of natural products is also essential to maintain a healthy environment. Avoiding harsh chemical cleaners and favouring environmentally friendly solutions can help to clean thoroughly without releasing irritants into the air.
For extra protection from allergens, it is useful to schedule a deep cleaning at least once a month. This can include the use of low-temperature steamers, which do not damage the wood and help eliminate mites and bacteria without the need for chemicals. Also the use of mats at the entrance can reduce the amount of dust and allergens entering the home.
Moisture management against dust mites and mould
Finally, maintaining parquet flooring also includes the correct management of humidity in the environment. Maintaining an ideal humidity level of between 40 and 60 per cent not only preserves the wood from warping, but also reduces the proliferation of mites and mould that find fertile ground in humid environments. To monitor these values, a humidifier or dehumidifier can be of great help.
Keeping parquet clean and safe for allergy sufferers is not difficult, but it requires perseverance and the use of methods and products that respect both the wood and the health of those living in the home. A well-maintained parquet floor is a valuable ally in reducing the presence of allergens and improving living comfort for the whole family.
Parquet and allergies: the most suitable wood species
Not all parquet floors are the same for allergy sufferers: certain types of wood and treatments are better suited for maintaining a healthy, allergen-free environment. Let’s see which wood types are most suitable and the specific advantages of each.
Wooden parquet and underfloor heating
Oak and walnut: elegance and durability
Oak is one of the most commonly used wood species for parquet, thanks to its hardness and durability. This type of wood has natural antibacterial properties, which help to keep the floor free of mould and bacteria, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. Moreover, oak is easily treated with water-based finishes that do not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which is important for those who are sensitive to chemicals.
Walnut is a hard, dense wood known for its allergen-resistant properties. Due to its compact structure, it does not easily allow dust and mites to penetrate. Walnut parquet is very durable, and if treated with low VOC-emitting finishes, it can be an optimal choice for those who prefer a safe and easy-to-maintain wooden floor.
In conclusion, choosing the right parquet can make a big difference for allergy sufferers, contributing to a healthier and easier-to-maintain home environment. Thanks to its ability to repel dust and allergens, and its ecological finish, parquet is a valuable ally in improving the air quality and well-being of the whole family.
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