If you have sensitivity to common household allergens such as dust mites, pollen and pet dander, carpet may not be the best choice for your home. Unlike hard floor surfaces (e.g. linoleum; hardwood) which resist common household allergens, carpet fibers can hold on to allergens for months and even years, until cleaned.

Even routine vacuuming isn't enough to remove some allergens from carpet. In fact, sometimes the only way to ensure an allergen-free carpet is by having them steam cleaned by a professional. This is not only costly, it can also be inconvenient.

Some carpet types are manufactured with latex and other sealants that people are often allergic to. Additionally, carpet can promote mold and fungi growth as a result of moisture exposure. If you have respiratory sensitivity to either of these elements, it's imminent that you get a carpet that is water resistant and latex free.

Carpet pros for a consumer with allergies:

• Can help minimize the amount of allergens within your household air
• Green carpet types emit a safe level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Allergy-resistant carpet padding is available (can help deter mold growth)

Another way to manage allergies and carpet is to buy a vacuum with a HEPA filter system (HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air). These vacuums help reduce up to 99.97% of allergens from re-entering your indoor home air circulation.

For more tips on allergies and carpet, check out FindAnyFloor.com's Allergy-Friendly section.