Tips to Reducing Allergens in the Home

More and more people are finding themselves suffering from allergies all of a sudden, while others are dealing with worse effects as the weather changes drastically from day today. Indoor allergens are such as dust mites, mold, pollen, and roach droppings all add to the accumulation of allergens in a home.

Tips for Controlling Home Allergens

Getting rid of dust is the key to controlling home allergens as dust is made up of a multitude of elements.

Dust mites, which are the most common allergens, trigger asthma symptoms. It is recommended that one uses a damp cloth to clear dust because feather dusters spread the dust and scatter it into the air, not actually removing them.

Vacuuming reduces allergens such as cat and dog hair, which cause severe allergic reactions in people. Vacuuming reduces dust mites in places where they get comfortable, such as underneath furniture and in dark corners. Using a vacuum with a filter will trap the dust so it is not thrown back into the air.

Dust mites love bedding and linen which is why washing your linen at least once a week in extremely hot water. People who allow their pets to sleep on the beds are susceptible to suffering from asthma, hay fever, itchy throats, and every other discomfort that comes along with allergens.

Using green products to clean your home reduces the aggravation that chemicals add to problems with allergies. When using steam mops or dusting tabletops and inside cupboards, people are finding the effects of green products impact much less on their sensitive allergies which can easily be triggered by harsh chemicals. Some people have taken to using vinegar, bicarbonate soda and lemon to clean surfaces. They do the job just as well as harsh chemicals.

Dog and cat saliva, urine, and flaky skin are allergen triggers that can cause some serious effects in asthma sufferers. Vacuuming is essential to combat the fine dust that pets create. Washing your pets at least once a week combats the triggers.

Mildew and mold are common in damp areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Tiling bathrooms and using mold-resistant paint are great ways of reducing mold and damp. Mold spores become airborne and can create upper respiratory issues, making asthma worse. Checking the underneath of carpets for mold is also suggested as allergens live and hide in the furry fibers.

Reducing allergens can be a time-consuming exercise, but it’s one that can ultimately prevent nasty allergies from flaring, particularly during the pollen season. Prevention is better than cure.