If you suffer from allergies, you know how annoying and debilitating they can be. They can keep you up at night, leave you feeling tired in the morning, and even cause inflammation that leads to other health issues like asthma. Luckily, there are ways to reduce allergens in your home that will make your quality of life much better. The first step is figuring out what exactly triggers your allergies so that we can create a plan together!
1. Clean gently
Keeping your house clean is the first step to reducing allergens and improving air quality. When you’re dusting or cleaning floors, avoid using a broom or vacuum with a beater bar. These can stir up dust and spread it around the room instead of trapping it in the bag or filter. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe down hard surfaces like tabletops and countertops; then dry them thoroughly before putting anything on them again because dampness can attract mould growth.
For regular vacuuming, choose a model with a HEPA filter—they’re more effective at capturing particles than traditional ones are. If possible, set aside time every day when everyone else isn’t home so that you don’t have to worry about disturbing anyone else’s allergies with prolonged vacuuming sessions!
2. Declutter
This is a big one, and it’s not just about allergies. If your house is too neat, minimalist and tidy, you might be missing out on the benefits of living in a more spacious environment. Decluttering helps us to relax, but it also gives us more room for things that matter—like pets! And if there’s any way you can get your child to help with this task or even just agree to keep his/her toys in their designated areas when they’re not being played with, then you’ll have even more breathing room throughout your home.
3. Get rid of books
If you’re a book lover, we are sorry to say that you need to get rid of some of your books. Books are a source of dust and allergens, especially if they’re old or used in the library. Books can also be a source of mould, which can aggravate allergies and asthma.
Books should be removed from bedrooms and other rooms where people sleep. If possible, consider donating them or recycling them in an appropriate way (for example, you may have your local library accept them as donations instead).
4. Purify the air
To reduce allergens in your home, you can use an air purifier to clean the air of pollen and dust. Air purifiers come in many shapes, sizes, and price points. A good place to start is by looking at the most common types of filters used on these devices: HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arrestance) and carbon filters.
A HEPA filter can trap particles that are as small as 3 microns in size—that’s about one-and-a-half times smaller than a grain of pollen! By comparison, most vacuums will only remove particles up to 10 microns in size—a mere dime compared with a penny! This means that if you want less dust floating around your house (and causing allergies), get yourself a good vacuum and use it regularly.
5. Carpet cleaning is the most effective way to reduce allergens in your home
Carpets are an ideal place for dust mites, pet dander and other allergens to accumulate. If you have allergies, keeping the carpet clean can help prevent symptoms and keep your home healthier.
Regularly shampooing your carpets will remove dirt and body oils that collect over time, reducing the number of allergens present in your home. Also, we must not forget the upholstery, because allergens love it. If you want to reduce the level of allergens in your home, carpet and upholstery cleaning is a must.
The best way to do this is by hiring a professional carpet cleaner. They use specialized equipment and techniques to ensure that all areas of your carpet are thoroughly cleaned.
6. Be wary of pets
Pets can carry and shed allergens, which also means that they can track them into your home. Pet dander is the most common allergen to cause an allergic reaction. It’s not just the hair or fur of your pet; it’s also in their saliva, urine and even sebaceous glands throughout their bodies. If you have pets, it’s crucial to keep them out of certain rooms where allergy sufferers are likely to spend time, such as bedrooms and living rooms.
7. Cover it up
Allergens can be found in your pillows and mattresses, so it’s important to cover them up with a hypoallergenic waterproof cover. You can also use mattress covers (which are usually made of vinyl), pillow covers and dust mite covers. The use of these products will ensure that dust mites don’t get into your bedding and make you allergic to their bites.
8. Remove your shoes at the door
One of the easiest ways to reduce allergens in your home is by removing your shoes at the door. It’s a simple practice that keeps allergens out, and also makes it easier to clean up after yourself.
In addition to preventing allergies, taking off your shoes when you get home will keep your floors cleaner and make them last longer. There’s no reason not to do this—it’s a small change that can have big benefits for everyone!
There are many ways to reduce allergens in your home, but the most important thing is to remember that you have a choice. You can choose to live in a clean, healthy environment or a dirty one—it’s up to you! Remember that even if the only change you make is vacuuming more often, it will still make a difference.
Author Bio:
Jasmine Anderson is a Sydney based lifestyle blogger and a toddler mom. She loves to spend quality time with her family, go thrifting, and spend just a little bit too much time on the internet.
Photos by Katja Rooke, Josue Michel and Roberto Nickson
