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Act Now to Improve Your Air
Allergy sufferers know that a day in the park can trigger severe sniffling. But retreating indoors to clear up a stuffy nose or watery eyes won’t work if you don’t address the air quality inside your home. Whether it’s pollen, mold, or dust that sets off your sneezes, there are actions you can take to allergy-proof your home.
Replace Those Filters
Furnace and air conditioner filters are your first lines of defense against indoor pollen, mold, and dust. Clean the vents and replace filters monthly to trap pollutants and keep them from being recycled throughout the home.
Keep It Clean
Regular cleaning goes a long way toward creating an allergy-free home. Vacuum, damp mop, and dust once a week to eliminate as much as 90 percent of your home’s dust. If your vacuum cleaner isn’t equipped with a HEPA filter, consider upgrading; these filters trap microscopic particles of dirt and dust that harbor dust mites.
Dry Out the Basement
Basements tend to trap moisture, leading to musty odors, mold, and mildew. Combat a wet basement by installing a dehumidifier. You can buy a small unit designed for a single room, or even install a whole-house dehumidifier. Either way, a dehumidifier will remove excess moisture from the air and help prevent mold buildup from becoming a problem.
Clear the Air
Another great way to breathe easier is to install an air purifier. Available in tabletop sizes or as whole-home solutions, these machines are designed to circulate air, capturing dust and other impurities in the process and leaving indoor air cleaner. To keep your air purifier operating at full strength, change out disposable filters and wash reusable filters when needed.
Eliminate Underbed Storage
Most allergy sufferers know to wash linens weekly to eliminate symptoms—but do you remember to clean under the bed as well? Too often overlooked, that space under your bed can gather a lot of dust, leading to coughing or sneezing. Pass a vacuum under the bed frequently and eliminate storage below for easier cleaning.
Related: The Dirty Dozen—12 Places You Probably Never Clean But Definitely Should
When in Doubt, Redecorate!
Carpet captures and holds pounds of dirt, dust, and even mold, which can worsen allergy symptoms. Tear out old carpeting and replace it with hardwood, tile, or vinyl flooring to create a dust-free home. Likewise, swap out heavy drapes for lighter, easy-to-clean curtains.
For More…
For more ideas for a healthy home, try:
Is Your House Ruining Your Health?
Sick House Syndrome: 7 Things You Need to Know Now
Which Expiration Dates REALLY Matter?
