We all want to embrace the sunshine and flowers of a new spring to shake winter’s cold chill. However, many of us also dread the inevitable increase of pollen and other allergens that affect over 60 million of us with asthma and allergies each year. Keeping your flooring free from allergens is thus a must!
Even though we can’t stop plants from pollenating and we can’t control the outside environment, we can control the air quality inside our homes. You can create a healthier home by taking active steps toward reducing allergens and irritants, like caring for the largest surface in the home, your floors.
It’s important to remember that not all types of flooring are created equal when it comes to your asthma and allergies. Wall-to-wall carpeting is a common home for dust mites that can trigger an allergic reaction in many people. Carpet is also difficult to keep dry and moisture is a breeding ground for mold. Instead, opt for bare floors with small, washable area rugs, which are much easier to keep trigger-free.
While hard surfaces like hardwood are better, be mindful of varnishes and cleaning products with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Look for Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® cleaning products, like the Bona free & simple Hardwood Floor Cleaner, that are scientifically tested and proven to be more suitable for those with asthma and allergies.
The Bona free & simple® Hardwood Floor Cleaner meets strict standards for appropriate levels and ingredients when:
- Evaluating ingredients for toxicological, allergenic, and sensitizing purposes;
- Analyzing airborne chemicals during use;
- Analyzing particle concentration during use; and
- Evaluating allergen levels after use to ensure the product is reducing allergen burden from surfaces.
By maintaining a regular cleaning routine of your flooring using Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® products like Bona free & simple Hardwood Floor Cleaner, you will reduce allergens and irritants, and create a healthier home.
Enter the competition for your chance to win one of 20 bottles of Bona free & simple® Hardwood Floor Cleaner.
Update(2026): Advances in Carpet Technologies and Certification
Guidance around carpet has historically reflected concerns about allergen accumulation and indoor air quality. However, flooring technologies continue to evolve. New treated carpet systems are now being developed with specific claims relating to allergen reduction and impact on indoor air quality.
To address this, Allergy Standards Ltd has introduced an addendum to its textile flooring standard, enabling these products to be assessed using objective, performance-based criteria.
Treated carpets that meet the requirements of this updated standard may be eligible for the Asthma & Allergy Friendly®Certification Mark. These products are independently tested to demonstrate measurable reductions in common allergens, low chemical emissions, and maintenance of indoor air quality under real-life use conditions.
This development reflects the importance of evaluating all flooring types based on verified performance, rather than material category alone.
Learn more about the textile flooring standard addendum here.