Sneeze, cough, blow your nose, and do all three at once… This may sound familiar to you. When you attempt to unwind in your own house, does this cycle never stop for you? Well, you’re not alone. One in four Americans may have indoor allergies. The most frequent are dust and mold. Fortunately, they may be significantly decreased by altering your regular house maintenance procedures. It’s not a straightforward chore since it necessitates some financial outlay and extra cleaning time. The good news is that you’ll feel better immediately and that it does help. You could even notice a financial advantage if you use fewer tissues to blow your nose!
What it takes to decrease the allergens in your house depends on how severe your allergy symptoms are. Increasing the volume of regular cleaning, vacuuming, and dusting may make a tremendous difference for some people. However, most need further actions to be completed. The following are helpful strategies to lessen allergies in the home:
Carpets.
The primary source of indoor dust is carpeting. For those sensitive to dust mites, carpets that retain and attract dust are not a good mix. Some homeowners choose linoleum, wood, or ceramic flooring instead of carpeting altogether. If you continue using carpet, get the low pile, hypoallergenic kind. Carpets should be vacuumed daily with a HEPA-filtered vacuum, steam cleaned every few months, or sent to a professional service. Dehumidifiers should maintain interior humidity below 50% since dust mites like a moist atmosphere.
Windows.
Windows often collect moisture, which transforms into mold very rapidly. Clean the window sills and frames of any mildew or dampness. If required, replace the weather tripping to help keep the moisture out. Caulk the window frame and make necessary repairs, paying particular attention to any cracks. Keeping allergens out of the home is the most excellent method to lessen their presence. You’ll experience an improvement if you keep your windows closed (and the air conditioning on).
Furniture and window coverings.
Avoid using upholstered furniture, particularly if it has loose woven cloth on it. Furniture made of leather, wood, or even plastic best reduces allergies in the home. Washable roller shades or curtains provide the most significant window coverings. Remember that curtains attract dust. To minimize the dust, wash them frequently, even once every couple of weeks.
Filtration, ventilation, and humidification.
The ideal option is to utilize a HEPA air filter that doesn’t need to be changed monthly. Consider hiring a professional to construct a whole-house ventilation system if your HVAC system doesn’t already have one. A couple of times every decade, get your air ducts cleaned and make sure your dryer is properly vented to the outdoors. Kitchen exhaust fans may help decrease odors and wetness; be sure they are properly vented outside. A bathroom exhaust fan is also crucial to lessen water when taking a bath or a shower.
Cleaning routines.
Eliminating clutter drastically reduces dust. Avoid or restrict the use of stuffed animals in your house, and keep toys in containers. Magazines, cardboard cartons, and similar items attract dust and other pests. Cockroaches, a frequent allergen, can lurk inside boxes. Establish a cleaning schedule that includes a thorough dusting of the whole home. Two more intelligent cleaning practices are using a trash can with a cover and emptying the trash daily.
Toilet & kitchen.
If you discover any plumbing leaks, get a plumber to fix them. Check beneath every sink in the bathroom and kitchen for leaks. Put washable bath mats to use. Replacing bathroom wallpaper with tile or mold-resistant enamel paint is a better option. Please pay special attention to the shower curtain for signs of mold development and wipe it off as required. After usage, the towel dries into the shower or tub to prevent mold formation. Clean and dump your refrigerator’s drip pan regularly. Rubber seals surrounding the refrigerator doors should be cleaned or replaced.
More advice.
If you want to limit the quantity of dust you breathe dramatically, cover your pillows, mattresses, and box springs with dust-proof coverings. Once a week, wash linens in above 54 degrees fahrenheit water. Limit or get rid of indoor plants. To prevent mold development, cover the soil with gravel made for aquariums.
Instead of a smoke producing wood fireplace, use a natural gas fireplace that burns cleanly. You’ll undoubtedly notice a change and the overall air quality in your house will also be improved by following these suggestions for lowering indoor allergies. Even if you don’t have allergies, making your home healthier using these recommendations can help
