A hard surface is just cleaner.  A carpet is full of dust, dust mites, pollen and other allergens. They are nearly impossible to keep clean even if you vacuum them every day. The dirt and dust etc gets down into the padding and even beneath the padding.    If removing carpets is not an option a powerful vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter would be another option, but not as good as a hard surface.
 
Some people with concrete sub flooring in good condition have been known to just remove their carpet and sand and polish their concrete floors for a 'natural' look.   Hardwood can be expensive, but if you can do it yourself you can get laminate as cheap as 78 cents a square foot (but the higher price stuff looks better and lasts longer)
 
Home Depot, Lowes and IKEA have laminate but here is a good source.
 
http://www.lumberliquidators.com
 
After carpets replacing drapes with plantation shutters or blinds is the next option for reducing dust and pollen.
 
 

 


----- Original Message ----
> From: Ashley Moran <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2008 11:35:38 AM
> Subject: Re: Newbie Question - Organ Meats (off topic reply)
> 
> On Jul 24, 2008, at 7:31 pm, Alec Wood wrote:
> 
> > If you are renting that isn't an option, but if you can do it,  for  
> > daily stuffiness and sinus problems: No dairy, No grains and No  
> > Carpet!
> 
> 
> What do you think it is about the carpet that made it so bad?
> 
> Ashley