Allergies affect about 20% of Americans and allergens are everywhere. Nasal congestion, sneezing, wheezing, rash, and itchy eyes are all common and unpleasant symptoms of an allergy.
Image credit: David Castillo Dominici | FreeDigitalPhotos.net
While difficult to completely eliminate allergens in your home, here are some things that can be done to reduce their presence.
Keep upholstery clean
Fabrics of all sorts can collect dust very quickly. Strip the blankets and pillows from beds and wash them on a weekly basis in hot water.
Do the same for throw pillows and blankets on couches and chairs. Whenever possible, it is a good idea to get dust-mite-proof covers for pillows and mattresses.
Take down curtains and blinds and wash them monthly. If allergies are an issue, synthetic materials often wash better than materials such as wool or down blankets and pillows.
Try to choose easy-to-clean surfaces for your furniture and flooring whenever possible. Vacuum, dust, and clean all surfaces regularly.
Make sure filters and ducts are clean
HVAC units are responsible for circulating air throughout the home. However, they often go years with little or no maintenance. A regular duct cleaning and filter replacement can greatly reduce allergens in your home. Having ducts cleaned every three to five years can increase air flow in your home.
Filters should be changed a minimum of once a year, with HVAC companies suggesting that you change them every season.
Decrease clutter
It may seem like the knick-knacks lining the shelves of your family room are harmless, but they actually promote the collection of dust, thus increasing the presence of allergens. Place books on shelves, and store toys in plastic storage containers.
Move pets outside
Unfortunately, furry four-legged friends are responsible for the allergies suffered by many. Moving pets outside can be very helpful in controlling allergens in your home. If you are uncomfortable having your pet outside, or it is not a reasonable option for some reason, such as because of location, weather, or a type of pet, you can still limit the effect of pets on your allergies.
Keep pets out of the bedroom areas as much as possible. Bath and groom your pets weekly to minimize the amount of pet dander floating around your house. It is also wise to consider a more hypoallergenic pet if you know allergies are an issue.
With allergens all around us, sometimes, simply dusting is not enough. To best control allergies, it is important to consider both the big picture and small details. Though there will always be allergens to deal with, they can be limited greatly with thorough cleaning routines and regular home maintenance.
This article uses information from AAA Steam Carpet Cleaning Ltd.
Anica Oaks
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