With what may be the worst allergy season in recent history underway, is your home a haven for pollen and other seasonal irritants? Allergy sufferers would like to think their home is the safest place they can be when it comes to allergies, but this may not be the case.
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, many common allergy irritants can live and breed in your home, aggravating your symptoms and causing new ones to occur. Some of the most common home irritants include:
- Dust mites
- Pests such as cockroaches and fleas
- Pets and other animals
- Pollen.
Keep the following five tips in mind to ensure you eliminate most causes of allergies this season.
- Buy easy to clean furnishings and rugs: Avoid buying upholstery or heavy duty linen furniture. These types of chairs or couches can trap allergen irritants even after washing. In addition, don't cover every inch of your home with rugs. According to the Mayo Clinic, vacuuming the floors as well as regular shampooing of the rug can help deter particles from becoming trapped in hard to reach layers.
- Close the windows: No, you don't have to keep them shut all the time, but days with high pollen counts or strong bouts of wind may be best accompanied by sealed windows and entryways. Instead of opening the windows, use an air conditioner to keep the house cool.
- Keep the air fresh: Use an air filtration system that has a small particle filter to remove allergens from the air.
- Get rid of the clutter: Knick knacks and other stationary materials are a breeding ground for dust, pests and other problems. If you do decide to keep your collection, clean and regularly move it.
- Protect where you sleep: Invest in allergenic bedding or mattress covers to keep the allergies away from where you sleep.
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