Rugs for allergy sufferers – expert recommendations

Most people believe that dust mites like to settle in rugs above all. That is why many allergy sufferers do without a decorative floor covering. In fact the opposite is closer to the truth: on smooth floors such as parquet, laminate or tiles, dust and the mites with it spread out as a thin layer and are stirred up with every step. Rugs therefore make good sense for allergy sufferers. But what should allergy sufferers look out for when buying one?

The word “dust trap” was long used disparagingly about rugs, but doctors and researchers now agree that this very property protects many dust-mite allergy sufferers from allergic reactions. While dust stirred up from smooth floors takes some time to settle again, dust is bound by a rug and can be removed more easily. Regular vacuuming is unavoidable, of course – in theory you would have to clean the whole home from top to bottom every day to keep dust mites down, and you never get rid of them entirely. But not every rug suits an allergy sufferer equally well. There are a few recommendations worth keeping in mind when choosing.

Long pile versus short pile for allergy sufferers

A rug for an allergy sufferer must above all be easy to clean, and here short-pile rugs are clearly ahead. The short fibres stop too much dust collecting, and what does collect can be vacuumed away quickly. In a long-pile rug the dust usually sits far deeper and gives even a high-powered vacuum trouble. Setting natural-fibre rugs against synthetic-fibre rugs, the synthetic ones win for allergy sufferers: a synthetic rug in polyester, acrylic or polypropylene is much easier to clean than a natural-fibre one. With wool there is one caveat worth knowing. Wool rugs carry a little natural grease and moisture, which can favour mites if the rug is not cleaned regularly – so with wool, a short pile and a consistent cleaning routine matter more than usual.

Which rugs suit allergy sufferers?

All kinds of well-made short-pile rugs suit allergy sufferers, and they come in the loveliest colours, with or without pattern, and in a wide range of shapes. Alongside stylish short-pile rugs in synthetic fibre, that includes robust Kilim rugs in pure new wool or in cotton. A new wool rug has the added advantage of repelling dirt and being easy to clean, which makes it suitable not only as an allergy-friendly rug in the bedroom, for example, but also as an outdoor rug.

And what about an elegant Persian rug? Most classic Persian rugs are also hand-knotted in new wool. The Gabbeh rugs woven by hand with countless knots fall into the short-pile category as well. Artful natural-fibre sisal rugs likewise spare allergy sufferers from sneezing fits, coughing and allergic skin reactions.

With short-pile versions in particular, it is worth looking closely at the structure of the rug. Wool Gabbeh rugs can be a sensible choice thanks to their dense, flatter knotting and the natural hard-wearing quality of the material, provided they are cleaned regularly and thoroughly. What matters is that allergy sufferers choose a rug to suit their own sensitivity and look for an easy-care surface.

When choosing, allergy sufferers should pay less attention to origin alone and more to pile height, construction and how easy the rug is to clean. Even high-quality oriental rugs can be worth considering if they are short-pile, densely worked and cared for regularly with a suitable vacuum cleaner. The decisive thing is that dust cannot settle deep into long fibres and that the rug stays easy to keep clean day to day.

A sisal rug is also extremely long-lasting and can be used on both sides. Or how about a colourful patchwork rug in polyester? Moth resistance, no shedding, impact-sound insulation and suitability for underfloor heating – those are only a few of the advantages a good patchwork rug offers.

Rugs allergy sufferers should avoid

From a fibre height of 1.5 cm a rug counts as high-pile, and from 5 cm as long-pile. Neither type suits an allergy sufferer, even where they are made from synthetic fibres. Dust can settle deep into high-pile and long-pile rugs and is then hard to remove even with a powerful vacuum. At that point only professional rug cleaning helps, which not everyone can afford regularly. An absolute no for allergy sufferers is a hide rug, whether an extravagant cowhide, a sheepskin or a synthetic fur rug.

Tips for cleaning an allergy-friendly rug

To take on the dust mites in a rug and avoid possible allergic reactions, there are a few simple tips anyone can follow, allergy sufferer or not:

• Vacuum the rug daily if you can, and at least three times a week.
• Use a powerful filter or water vacuum cleaner. Air-filter vacuums suit allergy sufferers less well.
• Vacuum bags with an antibacterial coating are ideal. Most effective of all are HEPA filters of class H13.
• Portable rugs are best cleaned outdoors, so that any remaining dust has as little chance as possible of settling back into the home.

Allergy sufferers can breathe easy, then, and decorate their rooms with comfortable rugs without worry. As dust traps, rugs even have a positive quality, as long as they are cleaned regularly. Anyone with allergies looking to buy a rug is best served by a short-pile rug in synthetic fibre, sisal or new wool. Happily there are countless short-pile Morgenland rugs, so there is certain to be something for every taste.

Frequently asked questions about rugs for allergy sufferers

Which rugs are suitable for allergy sufferers?

If you suffer from allergies, it matters that you find the right type of rug for your home. Here are some options worth considering:

1. Polypropylene rugs:

These synthetic rugs are a good choice, since dust particles do not cling to them and they are easy to clean.

2. Wool rugs:

These rugs are naturally hypoallergenic and can help improve indoor air quality, because they trap dust and allergens and keep them out of the air.

3. Sisal rugs:

These rugs are made from natural fibres and are a good option for allergy sufferers, since they release fewer dust particles into the air.

4. Jute rugs:

These are another natural-fibre option that can help reduce allergens in your home.

5. Seagrass and bamboo rugs:

Rugs made from materials such as seagrass or bamboo are known for their durability and their low allergy potential.
When choosing a rug, take into account how well it traps allergens, how easy it is to clean, and what fibres it is made from. Regular vacuuming with a cleaner fitted with a mechanical brush head also helps lift allergens from the rug's surface.