If you are an allergy sufferer or someone who values clean living but struggles with keeping your home free from allergens, you’re not alone. Each year millions of Americans are plagued by indoor allergens. If you’re not a born duster and have an affinity for pets, pet dander and dust mites can be your biggest enemy. Although no home is completely free of allergens, there are many things you can do to help you breathe easier. With the following quick and easy tips from everydayhealth.com, you can be well on your way to healthier home living.
1. Get rid of the dust. Be sure to use cloths that attract dust to decrease free-floating dust and be sure to wear a mask.
2. Vacuum often. Try using a HEPA filter, which aides in trapping dust particles and minimizes airborne dust.
3. Launder bedding and towels weekly and be sure to use hot water and place in the dryer to dispose of lingering dust mites. Consider using an allergen-proof encasing for pillows and mattresses.
4. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products to reduce allergy triggers. Consider using natural homemade cleaning solutions, such as vinegar.
5. Wash your pets weekly. Keep them out of the bedroom and off of furniture.
6. Consider having your home checked for mold, and, if found, have it promptly cleaned or removed from the home.
7. Stay indoors on days when the pollen count is high, and keep windows closed.
8. Keep bugs at bay. Consider using non-chemical pesticides.
9. Change your furnace filters often and consider using HEPA filters to control dust particles.
10. Consider using humidifiers or air purifiers to aide in keeping dust and mold at bay.
Not a cleaner? Don’t be dismayed. There are many cleaning services at your disposal who would be happy to come into your home to help you conquer your allergens. If cost is a factor, consider bartering with a friend who can offer their cleaning expertise and services in exchange for a skill they may need that you possess. If your home is carpeted, you might want to consider having the carpet removed and replaced with hardwood or laminate flooring. This does come at a cost; however, it may be worth it when you consider the money saved in doctor visits. As an allergy sufferer who tends to follow my own advice, I have found that the benefits of non-carpeted flooring and a dust-free home far outweigh the cost I’ve spent over the years on doctor visits and allergy medication.
