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Choosing a floor for our apartment is very important not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for health reasons. Natural materials will allow us to maintain proper well-being and health. In addition, they will give the interior a unique atmosphere.
Wooden floors
Our health may depend on the solidity of the materials placed on the floor. The most neutral surface seems to be a wooden floor. It has shock-absorbing properties, it is warm, it is easy to maintain and keep it clean. We must pay the greatest attention to the varnish that will be applied to it. Some of them give off harmful vapors that can stay up to several months.
Linoleum and health
It has bacteriostatic propertiesinhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Thanks to this property, it works well in children’s rooms, for the elderly, allergy sufferers, and patients with reduced immunity. It is resistant to dilute acids, oils and fats. The disadvantage is the lack of resistance to moisture. Therefore, it is not suitable for rooms such as a laundry room, bathroom or kitchen
Linoleum is soft and flexible, as well as strong and resistant to damage. It is easy to keep clean. They should be vacuumed and washed with water and a mild detergent. Linoleum is flame-retardant and resistant to cigarette heat, and does not emit toxic substances in the event of a fire. It is made of natural ingredients, such as resins and linseed oil, mixed with wood flour and / or cork, limestone and pigments. Then the surface is secured with acrylic. Linoleum has a lot environmental certificates, for example: Eco Label, Swan Label, Blue Angel.
Cork linings
Cork just like linoleum it a product of natural origin. It consists only of the bark of the cork oak. The boards have a layered structure. On the underside is ground bark pressed under high pressure. The top is a uniform and thin sheet, varnished with a water-based polyurethane varnish or covered with a vinyl coating. The cork has a cellular structure, therefore it perfectly absorbs sounds and vibrations and mutes the sound of footsteps. It has a low thermal conductivity, therefore it is an excellent insulator.
The floor is made of cork does not electrify, does not attract dust, does not absorb moisture. Its natural impregnants are tannins and suberin, so it can be used in a bathroom or kitchen. It is also resistant to the development of fungi and mold. Its flexibility and elasticity allow it to keep its shape unchanged for a long time. It is flame-retardant, does not absorb dirt, and is easy to keep clean.
Plant fiber floor coverings
Sisal is most often used for the production of this type of floor covering. There are also products made of coconut, seagrass, bamboo, cotton, flax. These materials can be mixed together. Thanks to plant fibers, carpets are a natural regulator of humidity in the room. The biggest advantage is that they can be used in any part of the house. Durability depends on many factors. Carpets with a thick weave will be more resistant. They should be vacuumed regularly, they are easy to keep clean.
Also read: Air humidifier – how it works
Wool coverings
These types of floor coverings accumulate heat and suppress noise. In addition, they contain lanolin, which is an animal fat that protects against contamination in a natural way. The material is flame-retardant, and it helps to regulate the natural air humidity in rooms. The carpet absorbs moisture and then gradually releases it.
Hypoallergenic floor
In the case of allergy sufferers, the most important thing is the ease of cleaning and the use of natural materials. The best solution is a parquet that is easy to clean, antibacterial and made of natural wood, without the use of formaldehyde and solvents. There are parquet floors available on the market, finished with oils and varnishes with antibacterial silver ions. On such a floor, the multiplication of bacteria is limited. Allergy sufferers should avoid ordinary carpet. Dust mites, bacteria and dust accumulate on it.
see also:
- Safe home detergents – which one to choose?
- Ways to get rid of dust mites. How to effectively prevent them?
- A healthy bedroom – 10 rules that will help you sleep well