It’s allergy season, folks. If you’re lucky enough to not suffer from allergies you may not notice, but the rest of us have. Strangely, allergies can start to affect you later in life, even if you’ve never experienced them before. You may suddenly find yourself sneezing, itching, coughing, and rubbing when you never have in the past. The good news is that it’s actually pretty easy to help reduce the amount of allergens in your home, preventing allergy symptoms that can annoy you and slow you down.
- Dust and Mite Covers – you spend so much time in your bed, and it’s also where a lot of dust and mites can accumulate. Buy some zippered covers to keep dust, mites, dirt, skin cells, and other gross allergens from burrowing into your pillows and mattress. Then be sure to wash and change your linens regularly.
- Goodbye Carpet – unfortunately carpet attracts and traps all different types of allergens. Pollen, dust, mites, pet hair, and more cling to your carpets and re-release when walked over, no matter how clean you try to keep them. Minimize the carpet in your home and opt for hard flooring with washable rugs.
- Upgrade Your Vacuum – higher quality vacuums have more serious filters, which means they will suck in and trap the tiny allergens that your old-school vacuum is missing.
- Replace Air Filters – You are supposed to regularly change the air filters in your home, but have you done it recently? Consider changing them at the beginning of the spring allergen season, and again in the fall. At least be sure to stick to the manufacturer’s recommended dates for replacement.
- Consider Plants – there are plenty of plants that will actually purify your air while also looking really earthy and nice in your home. Ferns and palms are popular choices, but take a trip to your local nursery and ask an expert what they would recommend for your geographic setting.
- Attack Mold – Mold and mildew can cause gross allergy symptoms, so regularly check your bathrooms and under your kitchen sink for it. Recaulk and replace items like sinks, tile, or pipes if necessary. Make it a point to dry everything off so mold doesn’t have a chance.
- Blinds Are Your Friend – hanging curtains or drapes, basically anything fabric, will trap allergens. Especially if you like to open your windows for views and breezes! Switching to blinds or shutters will help, or at least get washable drapes and wash them regularly.
If you are still experiencing allergy symptoms, you may want to see an allergist or have your home tested for humidity and allergen levels. Keeping your home comfortable and healthy should be a priority.
