Tips for An Allergy Free Home
Spring means warmer weather, longer days, and that summer is right around the corner. While most of us are elated to bid farewell to the winter, for people with allergies, spring can spell disaster. Blooming plants mean pollen galore, which triggers otherwise dormant hay fever symptoms for millions of Americans.
Staying inside is not a solution either. In addition to pollen, many people are allergic to dust and mold. Frequently, the air inside your home is dirtier than what's floating around outside. Exposure to unclean air can trigger asthma or allergy attacks, so your home may literally be making you sick. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to prevent and ease your suffering.
Get rid of the carpeting: Sure, your carpeting keeps the room warm and cozy, but it's also a net for trapping allergens. Dust mites, mold and pollen get caught in carpet fibers and can make you miserable. Vacuuming frequently can help, but people with severe allergies should consider ripping up the carpet and replacing it with hardwood, tile, linoleum, or any hard surface flooring.
Limiting the number of throw rugs and blankets: Limit these items you have laying around the house can also help. Make sure the textiles you choose are washable and sturdy. Allergens tend to stick to softer, fuzzier fabrics.
When considering new furniture: opt for leather, vinyl, or wood. Upholstered furniture traps allergens and is difficult to clean thoroughly. If you simply must have upholstered furniture, opt for couches and chairs with removable slipcovers that can be laundered.
Install Shades: Dust and dirt tend to collect on blinds and window blinds are also difficult to clean. Maintaining your privacy may be better achieved through washable roll-up shades. Go for cotton or synthetic fabric that you can remove and throw into the washing machine. To kill dust mites, you'll want to wash the textiles frequently and in hot water (about 130 degrees.) Rethink Your Air System: When you turn on the heat or air conditioning in your home, air isn't the only thing that comes out. Unfortunately, dust particles do too. To keep dust at bay, cover the vents with cheesecloth or mesh. (It may not look great, but it does work.) Don't bother to have your air ducts professionally cleaned solely for dust's sake-it won't make much of a difference. The best thing to do is change out your air filters regularly (every three months). Allergy experts also recommend using an air purifier to help relieve symptoms. Purifiers, especially those equipped with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arrestor) filter, help rid the air of allergens and pollutants, but don't heat or cool the air. The purifier's filter, like the other filters in your heating and cooling systems, need to be cleaned regularly in order to work efficiently.
Bid Farewell to Junk: Clutter generates dust so, if you were ever thinking about going minimalist, here is the perfect excuse to do it now. Get rid of any old books, magazines or children's toys that are no longer being used.
Ultimately, you are looking for clean, bare walls, shelves and tables. If you can't bear to part with some of your belongings, store them in the garage or a storage unit. (For those stuffed animals that must stay, wash them in hot water or stick them in the freezer for a couple of hours to kill dust mites)
Cleaning religiously: Wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth at least once a week to prevent dust build up. Cleaning is a vital part of controlling your allergy symptoms.
Washing sheets, pillowcases, rugs and drapes regularly: Do this in hot water and it will help prevent a build- up of dust, but inevitably dust mites will return. Invest in dust-proof slipcovers for your mattress and pillows. (Vacuuming your mattress monthly for at least a couple of minutes will help, too).
