We take a look at the best ways to minimise allergens and asthma triggers at home.

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home. Whether it be giving the entire house a thorough clean from top to bottom, or going one step further and investing in new finishes like beautiful flooring or a fresh coat of paint, the new season inspires change.

While most people love spring and the abundance of flowers it brings, for those with allergies, the extra pollen in the air can play havoc with their health. Dry days coupled with wind can also stir up dust and irritants which can affect asthma sufferers.

One of the best ways to minimise the triggers is to create a haven at home. Large windows which allow for natural ventilation and plenty of sunlight can improve air quality, while good floor and wall insulation will help keep the temperature stable. Regular cleaning and vacuuming to minimise dust mites and mopping to combat mould are also great ways to make asthma symptoms easier to manage and keep your house and family healthy and happy.

Another step is choosing flooring which has anti-allergy properties.

Not only naturally beautiful, hardwood floors are a great choice for people with asthma or allergies as it doesn’t trap allergens or provide an environment for them to grow. The one thing to keep in mind though is that on hard floors, dust and particles are more likely to float around on the surface and hide in corners, so regularly mopping and spot cleaning with an anti-static cloth is important.

If like many people you love carpet in the bedroom, choose a variety which actively repels dirt and mould.

One of the best options is wool carpet which is naturally hypoallergenic. Another benefit with wool is that it absorbs common airborne contaminants, associated with day to day living like cooking fumes, deodorants and smoke from fire-places, which helps improve air quality.

In high traffic areas, you may also like to consider a superior quality solution dyed nylon carpet like Brease, Camira. Available in a variety of stylish colours the Brease range has been especially developed to be asthma and allergy friendly and is the only carpet recognised by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice® program. To browse the full range at Choices Flooring head here.