When you’re allergic to something, it can become all-consuming. From an outside perspective, something as simple as a pet or pollen allergy looks inconsequential or ‘just a little sniffle’, but when you are the person suffering, it affects everything, from your breathing through to the way you feel.
Taking a little extra care in our homes to minimise allergens can make a world of difference to allergy sufferers, and it really isn’t too hard. Most people will regularly clean and dust their homes, hoovering carpets and airing out the living spaces, but indoor allergens like dust, pollen, and pet hair also cling to unexpected places – most notably fabric window coverings. What’s worse, that process of tidying and dusting will kick many allergens off the floor and surfaces and right off towards the windows. Curtains are a particular hazard and often hold thousands of particles that cause respiratory issues for sufferers.
The answer? Shutters. Let’s take a closer look at how allergy-friendly shutters are the best dust-free window coverings available.
How Window Coverings Affect Allergies
Shutters have a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. Let’s not lie – if you never wipe your shutters clean, then they’re also going to be a gathering place for dust and dander, but a simple regular wipe with a cloth will banish allergens and return your shutters to a pristine condition.
Let’s compare this to curtains and fabric blinds.
Curtains are, by far, the worst offenders. Large swathes of pollen-collecting, dust-gathering, pet-hair-loving cloth that are rarely cleaned (when was the last time you took your curtains off for a full dry clean?), curtains act as an allergen magnet.
Not only that, but curtains bring the offending particles up the wall to head height. Dust that blows through the air (often on its journey happily out of the window) will get caught in the curtain fabric and gather there, often unseen. A quick shake of a curtain in the bright sunlight will see myriad motes float into the air – and despite childhood fantasies, these are not kind fairies looking to bring their magic, but miniature demons ready to do their worst on your respiratory system.
If you have pets, their fur and skin flakes will cling to curtains at ground level, slowly moving over time to cover the entire spread from floor to ceiling. For those allergic to cats or dogs, it’s not as simple as saying that Kitty will be kept out of the house while they’re visiting; Kitty has definitely left her mark on the window coverings.
Fabric blinds aren’t much better. With similar dust-friendly surfaces, plus small crevices for the dust to accumulate, fabric roller blinds can be a trap – plus, they’re very hard to clean fully. A wipe gives them a surface-level shine suitable to maintain the illusion of cleanliness but the fibres are clinging onto that pollen and dust with determination.
Why Shutters Are the Best Choice for Allergy Sufferers
Let’s look at what shutters bring to the situation:
- Shutters are easy to clean and maintain – Unlike a fabric-based covering, shutters can be quickly wiped down with a damp cloth. Add an anti-bacterial spray or eco-friendly equivalent, and those allergens are banished for a good while.
- No fabric to trap dust and pollen – Fabric is friend to particles, smooth surfaces such as wood or vinyl don’t offer the same welcome.
- Better ventilation and airflow – Shutters don’t block airflow like heavy curtains, keeping the fresh air circulating. Not only does this mean that dust and pollen reaches the outside without being clung to on the way, but it also lowers condensation, preventing mould and mildew growth – another key problem for allergy sufferers.
- Resistant to pet hair – Households with pets gain even more with shutters. Pet hair and skin flakes can be a particular problem with homes that have flowing curtains, with pets rubbing themselves on the fabric exacerbating the problem. Shutters provide far less of a playground.
Best Types of Shutters for Allergy Sufferers
So, what are the best shutters for allergies? Consider the following options:
- Full-height shutters – These dust-free window coverings offer complete coverage and easy cleaning, replacing the need for curtains in areas such as living rooms and bedrooms where privacy and darkness are key qualities.
- Café-style shutters – Café-style are half height shutters with a decorative open top half, perfect for beautiful kitchens. They allow airflow at all times, while reducing dust build-up.
- Waterproof shutters – Mould is a particular hazard in wetter areas such as bathrooms and anything fabric or with exposed wood can become mildewed, holding yet-more dangerous allergens.
Why Choose the Scottish Shutter Company
At the Scottish Shutter Company, we provide made-to-measure shutters that are expertly crafted and designed for easy maintenance. Our experienced team will help you choose shutters that provide a healthy environment that minimises allergens, while complementing the style and aesthetic of your home.
Our custom-made allergy-friendly shutters fit any window style, no matter its size or shape, improving your home insulation and energy efficiency, light control, and airflow. Made to measure, our range of shutters are coated with hypoallergenic window treatments to ensure a healthier home.
Install desirable modern shutters throughout your home to upgrade your window coverings and provide a warm and comfortable sanctuary for everyone, especially those suffering from asthma or allergies. To find out more and explore our range, download a brochure today.
