7 Ways To Allergy-Proof Your Home

Allergy attacks happen when your body reacts against several triggers, also called allergens, including pollen, pet dander, and dust mites.

As your body reacts to these triggers, it produces antibodies that cause allergic symptoms—including inflammation of the sinuses, skin, and respiratory or digestive systems. While mostly harmless, allergic attacks cause discomfort. On rare occasions, an anaphylactic shock can be fatal.

You don’t want your family members to lose sleep looking for relief from allergies. That said, prevention is always better than cure. Check out some valuable tips below to keep allergies at bay.

• Get A Dehumidifier

Places with high humidity levels are prone to dust mites and mold, two of the most common allergens. That’s because humidity can cause surface condensation, encouraging the growth and proliferation of bacteria and fungi. According to the Mayo Clinic, ideal humidity levels should be 50% to prevent allergens from developing indoors.

Look for humidifiers over at this website to ensure that your living spaces remain clean and clear of allergens. Humidifiers differ in capacities and features. It’s best to search online to determine your requirements. Some devices have been certified effective in reducing allergen levels, so you may want to look for accreditation.

• Wash Your Linens Weekly

Allergens are present in the air and can’t be seen by the naked eye. They often find their way inside the home by sticking to the clothes and things brought in by you and your family as you enter your property. Once inside, these microscopic substances will transfer to the surfaces in your living room, kitchen, and bedroom.

Wash your stuffed toys, bedding, rugs, and furniture cover in hot water, at least, once a week to eliminate these allergens. Also, replace your mattress and pillows regularly, as they can harbor mold spores. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America AAFA suggests mattress replacement every ten years and buying new pillows every five years.

• Don’t Allow Pets Indoors 

You shouldn’t keep any pets if you’re allergic to dander. However, your doctor will likely consider if you know how to keep your distance from your pet’s dead skin cells. Apart from regular grooming and bathing, creating a separate home for your pets outside the house helps minimize your allergen exposure. If you’re converting your garage to a home extension, consider setting aside a small living space for your pet.

• Dust And Vacuum Frequently 

Vacuuming is a great way to get rid of dust and other allergens. It’s best to look for a device with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter that sucks in and keeps small particles instead of blowing them back into the air.

If you’re making some modifications to your home or any section of your living space, clean the entire house by wiping surfaces clean and using a vacuum cleaner. Dusting can also help remove breeding grounds for dust mites, often under the carpet, rug, or bedding. Clear dust from hard-to-reach areas in the cupboard, library, or shelves.

• Remove Molds And Keep Them Away 

Molds are known allergens and can develop in any part of your home, such as the kitchen and bathroom walls, windows, and within the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. If the growth is confined within a small area on your property, use natural cleaners and rub it off. For rooms that require more extensive cleaning, call professionals to conduct an inspection and remove molds that have developed in hidden areas.

Keep molds away by wiping surfaces regularly, maintaining good ventilation, and managing humidity levels—the less moisture on your surfaces, the fewer chances of mold growth. Cleaning your refrigerator and sink regularly can also help inhibit mold proliferation.

• Keep Pollens Under Control  

Besides mold and pet dander, pollen is also a common allergen. This fertilizing agent comes from plants and can be quickly brought indoors. Being light, they can stick to your clothes or can be transported through the wind.

As pollen is responsible for allergy attacks, you don’t want them to find their way indoors. Limit outdoor exposure, especially in the morning when high pollen levels are often observed. If you need your morning exercise, wash your hair, body, and clothes once you’ve returned.

• Avoid Smoke    

Some people exposed to smoke may develop allergy-like symptoms such as an itchy nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and airway congestion. Health experts believe the smoke itself isn’t an allergen, but rather, the allergic reaction is caused by several chemicals in it.

Besides cigarettes, cigars, or smoke coming from pipes, reactions may be triggered by smoke from stoves or fireplaces. Stay away from these sections of your home. In addition, don’t allow family members to smoke cigarettes indoors.

In conclusion 

Allergies affect many people and are usually triggered by microscopic substances such as pet dander, dust, pollen, and mold. While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent allergens, you can mitigate the impact by minimizing exposure, reducing humidity, and cleaning your home regularly.

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