Allergy season can be a nightmare for those who are affected. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. By taking steps to allergy-proof your home, you can make your allergies as manageable as possible.
Do a Deep Clean
Many allergies are aggravated by dust in the home, but you don’t need to be able to see visible dust to have potential allergens hiding in your furniture or on your surfaces. When allergies are getting you down, channel that frustration into cleaning up around the home. Vacuum and mop your floors,wipe down surfaces and cleaning your furniture. While you may not always see a drastic change after cleaning, you should feel it.
Breathe Easy
The majority of seasonal allergies are the result of airborne particles, so making the air in your home cleaner reduces your exposure. To start, check on the filters in your home’s HVAC system and replace them if they are dirty. When you have old, dirty filters, they no longer provide the high level of filtration you require. Once you have new filters installed, supplement that with an air purifier in rooms that have an increased risk of allergens, or in rooms where you feel more affected.
Dry Out Downstairs
Another high-risk factor for airborne allergens and contaminants is mold growth. In addition to water fixtures, lower level rooms, crawl spaces and basements tend to retain humidity more than upper levels. If you find that your basement is showing signs of high humidity, like damp walls or standing water puddles, install a dehumidifier to take the water vapor out of the air and protect your home. Fans can be helpful for temporary drying, but they are not an effective long-term fix.
Remove Allergen-Friendly Elements
Sometimes the best way to treat an element of your home design that is causing allergy problems is to remove it. Carpets are a rich environment for allergen particles and removing and replacing it with hardwood or tiles will decrease your risk. Similarly, although effective at maximizing space, under bed storage can also be a storage ground for allergens, as it makes cleaning under your bed more difficult. Remove items from under your bed to reduce your allergen exposure further.
