5 Smart Ways to Allergy-Proof Your Home
Living
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies are the 5th leading chronic disease in the U.S – and they don’t discriminate. In fact, people from all groups and backgrounds can have minor to major reactions to allergens like dust and dander in the home. What’s more – you don’t have to be a lifelong allergy sufferer to find yourself cut short by them: they can develop at any point in life! Luckily, there are smart steps you can take to allergy-proof your home.
Know Your “Triggers”
Allergens have various triggers. Some of the most common are pollen grains, dust mites, mold, and animal hair and dander. Although there is no cure for allergies, you can manage your allergies with both treatment and prevention. The first step is knowing which allergens you’re sensitive to. If you don’t already know the answer to this, see your doctor for a simple allergy test.
5 Ways to Allergy-Proof Your Home
Your home should be your safe haven. Here are tips to make sure your home doesn’t trigger your allergies:
1. Use Synthetic Bedding Material
Down and wool both collect irritating dust. Instead of using these materials in your room, switch to synthetic materials. Pillow cases, comforters, sheets, and blankets should also be changed and washed in hot water every week.
2. Avoid Upholstered Furniture
Choose easy-to-clean tables, chairs, nightstands or cabinets that are made of plastic, metal or wood, and wash them regularly. Instead of choosing hard-to-clean carpets for your home flooring, opt for linoleum or hardwood floors. Having a vacuum cleaner that has a high-efficiency particulate air or a small-particle (HEPA) filter is also a good choice.
3. Maintain A Clutter-Free Space
Old books, magazines, toys, and knick-knacks collect dust. Store unused items in plastic containers and ensure that you’re developing and maintaining a plan to eliminate and process clutter in your home.
4. Choose The Right Pet
Animal dander and hair are some of the top allergens all around the world. If you are in the process of selecting a pet, choose a hypoallergenic breed. Included in that list are Bedlington Terriers, Irish Water Spaniels, and Poodles. If you already have a pet, bathing them at least once a week can reduce the amount of dander in your household.
5. Invest In Allergy Control Products For Your Home
Choose the right HEPA filter, dehumidifier, exhaust fan and air purifier for your home. Additionally, make sure you’re maintaining the right temperature in your home. The breeding ground for dust and mold is hot and humid places. Maintaining a temperature between 68 F (20 C) to 72 F (22 C) will prevent allergens from thriving.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Managing home allergies is easier if you know which steps to take. In addition to making your life happier and healthier, learning to allergy-proof your home can also go a long way toward making the space more enjoyable for your family and guests, as well.
