Almost a quarter of Americans suffer from allergies. If you or someone you live with experiences indoor allergies, it will be worthwhile to allergy-proof your home.
To boost the well-being of family members, there are a few things you can do. Make life more comfortable with these practical ways to reduce allergens in the home.
What Triggers Allergies?
Exposure to dust, dander, mold, and pollen can trigger symptoms if you suffer from allergies. There are things you can do to minimize the amount of dust and pollen around your home. It is important to control your home’s humidity and prevent dust, pet dander, and pollen from building up in the house.
Tips to Allergy-Proof Your Home
1. Keep the Windows Closed
To maintain the air quality in your home, keep the windows closed and use the air conditioner. This keeps the house dry and cool, discouraging the growth of mold and mildew.
2. Maintain a Low Humidity Level to Allergy-Proof Your Home
Mold grows in moist, humid environments. Controlling the humidity in your home helps prevent mold growth and keeps you and your loved ones healthy and breathing easy.
3. Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is one of the best ways to extract moisture from the air. These appliances help regulate humidity and prevent the development of mold and mildew.
4. Replace Curtains With Window Blinds to Allergy-Proof Your Home
If you have curtains or drapes, replace them with blinds. Curtains trap pet dander, pollen, dust, and mold in the fibers of the fabrics. Blinds are far easier to keep clean, removing allergens from your living spaces.
5. Repair Water Leaks
Another leading cause of humidity in the home is water leaks. If you have a leaking faucet or pipe, this slowly adds moisture to the home and contributes to mold growth.
6. Keep Upholstery Clean
Throw pillows, decorative blankets, and upholstered furniture collect dust, pollen, and dander over time. If you or a family member suffers from allergies, keep these items clean or use other materials to decorate. A leather couch may be a better option than fabric upholstery. When purchasing throw pillows, verify they are filled with hypoallergenic fiber and make sure the covers are washable.
7. Remove the Carpeting to Allergy-Proof Your Home
If you have wall-to-wall carpets in your home, replace them with hardwood or tiled floors. Carpets collect dust, dander, and pollen and are incredibly difficult to clean. If you have concrete underneath your carpeting, you might refinish the concrete and add area rugs, making it much easier to keep clean.
8. Use the Exhaust Fans
The kitchen and bathroom are rooms that tend to have higher humidity levels. The moisture is due to cooking and showering. To prevent mold from growing in these areas, install an exhaust fan and run them for at least 15 minutes after you’ve finished cooking or after your shower.
9. Don’t Allow Pets in the Bedroom
If you suffer from allergies, don’t bring pets into the bedroom. Pets often trigger allergies and should be trained to sleep in their beds, not on pillows, upholstered furniture, and comforters.
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