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Allergies can be one of the roughest parts of spring. The good news is that there are a few steps you can take to reduce the effects of allergens in your home. Here are our suggestions to help keep your allergies in check this spring and summer.
Bedroom
This is one of the most important rooms to protect against allergens since you spend a large amount of time here. Plus, laying down can often make your allergies worse. Here is what you can do to keep your bedroom as allergy-free as possible.
Use dust-mite-proof covers for your pillows, mattresses, and box springs. Make sure to wash them at least once per week using hot water as this will more effectively remove the allergens. You can also use synthetic materials for bedding instead of wool or feathers.
If you want carpet in your room, you should use low-pile carpeting. Make sure that you vacuum it regularly and have it professionally cleaned as well. Wood floors are great for allergies and you can add rugs for comfort.
We suggest using washable curtains or blinds that are easy to clean.
During the pollen season keep your windows closed and use air conditioning instead.
Purchase furniture with materials that are easy to clean and avoid materials that hold dust easily.
Use an air filter and direct it towards your head when you sleep to help keep the air you breathe as clean as possible.
Living Room
Like the bedroom, purchase flooring material that will hold little dust. Plus, having a professional carpet cleaner come twice a year will help reduce the number of allergens in your carpet.
Indoor plants can cause your allergies to flare. So, if you want to have indoor plants, make sure to spread aquarium gravel over the dirt to contain mold that is in the dirt.
Pets are a common cause of allergies and if the weather permits, you consider keeping them outside and limiting their access to specific areas of your home.
If you have a fireplace, avoid burning wood or other material. Natural gas fireplaces should be fine and are usually much easier to use.
Kitchen
Use a vented exhaust fan to take fumes from the stove outside.
Keep your sink clean to remove any mold or food that could be in the sink.
Remove old food and keep your cabinets and refrigerator clean as mold is one of the leading causes of allergies.
Basement
Basements are the area of the home most likely to have mold. Because of this, you should make sure the flooring is clean and doesn’t have any mold growing in it.
Keep an eye out for any leaks in the windows or around the foundation. These need to be repaired immediately as they could lead to mold. If your home does have mold growing or the flooring has been damaged by water, you should call a professional water damage company to clean the damage and repair any issues there may be.
Using a dehumidifier in your basement can help reduce the water in the area and reduce the chance of allergies.
Overall house
Keep your house temperature between 68 and 72. If it gets too hot it can start to breed dust mites and mold.
Keep on top of any pests you have in your house like mice and bugs. If you can’t get rid of them, you should hire an exterminator.
Have a weekly cleaning routine that includes mopping, vacuuming, and removing dust. They will all help reduce the number of allergens in the air and will help keep your allergies at bay.
Allergy-reducing HVAC systems are made to reduce allergens blowing through your home. Talk to an HVAC company to see what options there are.
This is by no means all you can do, but is a great start!