There are many medications designed to help you feel better once you start experiencing allergy symptoms, but why not simply prevent symptoms with a comprehensive allergen control plan? To avoid allergy triggers while you’re home, follow these tips to eliminate dust mites, pollen, pet dander, smoke, mold, and other household allergens.
In the living room
The key to allergy-proofing your home is to think like an allergen and then thoroughly clean all the places allergens tend to hang out. Examples include rugs, upholstery, draperies, blinds, wall hangings, shelves, and knick-knacks. Twice weekly carpet cleaning sessions with a HEPA filter equipped vacuum are essential, along with regular dusting and bi-weekly vacuuming of any upholstery. Also, keep windows closed during allergy season and watch for signs of mold and moisture near windows.
In the bedroom
Chances are, you spend more time in your bedroom than any other room in your home, so you shouldn’t miss this room. Cover your pillows, box springs, and mattresses with mite-proof covers, and wash your bedding in hot water at least once a week. Window coverings are a favorite place for allergens, so wash them weekly, too. Try to remove as much clutter from the bedroom as possible, and keep pets outside as well. You can also remove any stray allergens from the air by using a HEPA filter while you sleep.
In the bathroom
Mold is an allergen that thrives in humidity, so take steps to reduce humidity in the bathroom. Use an exhaust fan during and after showers and baths to quickly draw steam out of the room and prevent moisture-trapping wallpaper. You should also avoid carpets, window coverings, and fabrics when possible, or at least clean them regularly. Another trick is to dry the shower or tub after each use and wipe down the tub, tile, sink, toilet, and floor with a five percent bleach solution once a week to further prevent mold.
In the kitchen
Like the bathroom, the main goal in the kitchen is to control humidity. Use an exhaust fan to remove cooking steam, and always keep the sink empty and dry. Check your refrigerator weekly for moldy food and empty trash bins daily.
Additional Best Practices
Don’t allow smoking in your home, and keep pets (and their allergy-inducing dander) outside if possible or at least off the furniture. Have his carpet professionally cleaned twice a year (or more if he suffers from particularly severe allergies). To keep bugs and other pests at bay, be sure to keep all counters, cabinets, appliances, floors, and other hard surfaces clean. Should insect or pest problems arise, act at the first signs of invasion. Fix any plumbing leaks immediately. If after all these steps humidity is still a problem in your home, use a dehumidifier.
Taking these steps to eliminate or reduce allergens in your home may seem daunting at first, but the comfort you’ll enjoy as a result will be well worth it. Stop treating allergy symptoms by getting rid of triggers – follow these best practices to protect your home from allergies today!