It took two years of nagging, but I finally persuaded my parents into investing in new flooring.  The old farm house my parents live in was fully carpeted almost two decades ago, so from bathroom and bedrooms to the living room and kitchen, there was nothing but carpet.  Not only was it terribly worn (nearly threadbare in spots), but in a house with three asthmatics, it was also unhealthy.

For years, doctors and allergists have recommended that carpeting be replaced with hard flooring.  The biggest drawback to carpet is that a layer of matting/padding covered by a layer of carpet essentially acts as a giant sponge.  Dirt, allergens, moisture all work their way deep into the carpet fiber and the pad below.  When they settle this deep, they are nearly impossible to extract.

In the one picture, you can see the Miele Bolero (now the Auto Eco Upright) that I purchased for my mother a couple years back.  Even a vacuum like this Miele with the AirClean System (certified to remove 99.99% of particles 0.3 microns or larger) and powerful suction simply cannot pull fine particles that have settled into and below the carpet pad back up.  Many people turn to hot water extractors/carpet cleaners to try to remedy this.  While these do remove more of the dirt and soil that has settled to the sub flooring, they leave behind more than enough moisture to < create a dust mite and/or mold problem.

So for people with severe asthma, allergies, COPD, or emphysema, one of the best things you can do is simply remove the carpet.  Dirt, allergens and other particles then have nowhere to hide from your vacuum.

Choosing a simple laminate over the expense of true hardwoods, laying the flooring is something I have done in several homes. It requires little more than a couple rubber mallets, a circular saw, chop saw, and claw hammer. I also find that a quality wood rasp and flexible, mini Japanese saw (nokogiri) are indispensable for custom cut pieces around the door frame and register vents. For those who have laid any time of flooring before, you will understand this next part. Invest in knee pads. And if you forget yours, like I did, just scoot around on a couple old throw pillows.

When you remove the old carpet, it's a good idea to wear a dust mask as a lot of dust and microparticles are now going to be stirred up. I used simple broom and dust pan to sweep up and remove large piles of fine dust then used the Bolero with smooth floor tool (not included) to finish removing years of soil, dirt and dust. Despite freezing Ohio temperatures, I kept both exterior doors in the dining, cracked while I removed the old carpet and vacuumed. Finally, after two days and some much appreciated help from my siblings, we replaced the flooring in both the kitchen and dining room.

Mom promptly begin laying rugs down in front of all the doors, the sink, refrigerator and stove, and with a little care, that should be the last flooring that my parents will have to worry about in those two rooms. In the long term, it not only looks twenty times better, but I'm hoping that it will help to improve my father's condition. He's likely only a few tests away from being diagnosed with COPD or emphysema. Too many years of severe asthma and smoking having taken a harsh toll on his ability to breathe. Small measures have helped. After talking to him I was glad to hear that small Honeywell air purifier he's been using for several years was helping him sleep better. So I'm hopeful that this too makes a difference.

That was my Christmas to them this year. Next up, replacing the carpet in the bathroom with ceramic tile! And thankfully, my knees have a full year to recover.

Author: Kevin Gilmore