There are actual steps you can take to allergy-proof your home.
Allergy-proofing your home can mean different things to different people. For some, it means making the home less hospitable to allergens. For others, it means minimizing the effects of allergies within their homes.
Either way, there are steps you can take to allergy-proof your own living space:
Use a pillow barrier
A pillow barrier is a good option if you have dust mites on your mattress. A pillow barrier is a sheet of plastic with a zipper that fits over the mattress and covers all four sides of it. It works as an airtight seal, which keeps allergens from getting into your bed. Pillow barriers can be washed when needed and reused for several years.
If you don’t want to buy a new bed or invest in expensive allergy-proofing measures just yet, this might be an option for you. As mentioned above, dust mite allergies are one of the most common causes of allergic asthma symptoms in children (and adults).
Remove carpets and rugs
You can remove carpets and rugs to help allergy-proof your home. Carpets and rugs are often a big source of dust, pollen, mold, and mildew. They can also trap moisture which attracts mold spores. Allergens love to live in carpets because they’re warm and moist—like the tropical rainforest!
Carpet fibers are also extremely small, so they’re easy for dust mites to crawl through (and allergen-laden air particles too). This makes it easier for you to breathe them into your lungs when you’re on the floor or in bed near it.
Regularly vacuum with a HEPA filter
If you’re not using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, now’s the time to start. HEPA filters capture dust and allergens from the air as you vacuum, reducing the amount that can be kicked up into your home. As long as you’re cleaning your floors regularly (which has other benefits besides allergy relief), replacing your vacuum cleaner’s filter every six months to one year should be enough for most people.
Some vacuums come with filters that can be washed in the washing machine if you want to keep it simple and avoid purchasing additional supplies like replacement bags or filters. Upgrading to a full-size vacuum with an upright design will help ensure all surfaces are cleaned thoroughly — especially high-traffic areas like hallways and staircases — while also making it easier on yourself because there are fewer cords causing tripping hazards around furniture legs!
Cut the clutter
The last thing you want is a bunch of clutter in your home, which can trigger allergy symptoms. It’s also one of the first things to look at when trying to allergy-proof your home.
To start, remove clutter from your home and get rid of items you don’t use—whether old clothes or outdated decorations. You should also clean and organize the surfaces in your home, so there are no dust mites hiding in the corners or cracks. The less clutter there is, the easier it will be for air currents to flow through the room without picking up pollen particles or other allergens along the way.
Keep pets out of the bedroom
You may think having a dog in your bedroom is fine, but it’s also one of the worst places for them. If you suffer from allergies and have an indoor pet, you could be exacerbating your symptoms by keeping them in your bedroom. Pets can carry mites that cause skin problems like eczema or dermatitis. In addition to mites, pets also shed allergens like dander (dead skin) and saliva into the air—and they’re not just shedding when they’re shedding their winter coats in springtime but also shedding year-round!
The best way to protect yourself from these allergens is by avoiding contact with them altogether: keep pets out of the bedroom at all times.
Use a dehumidifier in damp areas
A dehumidifier is a great way to reduce humidity in the home, especially in damp areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. The device will remove excess moisture from the air and allow you to breathe easier during allergy season.
Check for leaks and moisture.
Leaks in your home can be a major source of allergens, especially if they’re coming from your water heater or other appliances. Check the basement, garage, and crawlspace for any signs of leaks or moisture. Moisture control can also help prevent mold growth and keep dust levels down in the kitchen and bathroom—which is where many people tend to hang out while they’re sick with colds or flu-like symptoms that are often associated with allergies. If you have an older dishwasher that’s leaking water into your cabinets under the sink, consider replacing it now to save yourself the hassle later on when allergy season rolls back around again next spring!
Still struggling with allergies? Make an appointment with one of the specialists at Breathe Clear Institute today.
If you’re still experiencing allergy symptoms, make an appointment for an evaluation at Breathe Clear Institute to see what treatment options are right for you.