• Rugs made of natural grasses rugs do not hold allergens as well as traditional carpeting.sisal background image by Han van Vonno from Fotolia.com
  
  When a family member has a problem with allergies, you try everything you can to reduce the offending substances in the environment. Rugs and carpeting are one of the main hiding places of dust mites and can contain other allegens, such as pollen tracked in from the outside. Allergens in the home and can contribute to allergy symptoms throughout the day and night. Removing all wall-to-wall carpeting is the best option, but bare floors may not work for all households. Some rug types are better than others for households with allergy sufferers.
  
  

Area Rugs

• According to "Allergies," a report on MayoClinic.com, one of the best ways to reduce allergens within the home is to get rid of wall-to-wall carpeting in favor of area rugs. Wall-to-wall carpeting in living rooms, family rooms and bathrooms can remain damp for some time, increasing the amount of mold in the home. Allergens can be brought into the home from the outside or are blown in from open windows. Smaller area rugs can be thrown into the washer to remove these allergens and provede a cleaner, lower-allergen environment. Lay area rugs inside doorways to help catch allergens brought in from outdoors and wash weekly in hot water weekly.
  
  

Natural Grass Rugs

• Sea grass, jute and sisal are all good alternatives to traditional carpeting because their fibers do not hold allergens well. Sisal is made from the agave plant and resist dirt and water, so mold spores are less of a problem, according to AreaRugTips.com. Jute is a vegetable fiber that is static-free and won't attract dust. Sea grass has a non-porous surface that resists water, dust and allergens. Tight weaves in these rugs are preferable for resisting allergens. Natural grass rugs may be backed with latex material, which can also be an allergen. So if latex allergies are an issue in your home, look for backings that are less allergenic.
  
  

Low-Pile Rugs

• If you must have carpeting in the home, whether to warm up in a cold climate or you're living in a rental property that won't allow major changes, choose a low-pile carpet that will not hold pet or plant allergens as much as plush pile carpeting. Vacuum frequently and steam clean on a regular basis to remove allergens. The Allergy and Foundation of America recommends installing an air cleaner on your central heating and air-conditioning unit and using HEPA filters for maximum allegen removal.