Seriously Useful Tips For An Allergy Free Home
An allergy free home is a healthier, happier home! Here’s how to do it
By Chere Di Boscio
I’ve suffered from them since I was a child. Allergies. Bringers of a constantly runny nose, itchy eyes, and what feels like a million sneezes in a row.
Sure, there’s medication for this. But you can also be your own worst enemy by not ensuring you life in an allergy free home.
How’s that achieved, I hear you asking?
Well, it’s not easy. But it’s worth it.
First, let’s talk about what allergies are, and what causes them.
What Are Allergies?
Basically, this is an autoimmune response to a normally harmless substance. Your body goes into overdrive to protect itself from something like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, for example. You’ll produce antibodies, primarily IgE, to fight off what your body thinks is a threat.
The result? Itchy eyes, skin rashes, a runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, hives, inflammation, and other symptoms.
To know what you’re allergic to, of course you’ll have to do an allergy test at your GPs. But if you know you’re allergic to stuff that’s in the air, such as dander, dust mites, pollen or mould, you should consider making your house an allergy free one.
What You Need To Focus On For An Allergy Free House
You’ll need to consider:
- Decor
- Cleaning
- Tech solutions
- Personal habits
Let’s go through these step by step.
Interior Decor
As you probably know, there are plenty of allergy-free bedding products around. These range from mattresses and pillows to sheets and blankets. Using allergy-free bedding reduces dust mite exposure.
And speaking of which, leather, wood, metal, or even plastic furniture attracts less dust and fewer mites than upholstered items. So, go for anything smooth and easy to wipe down when it comes to furnishing! And remember: the more items – be they pieces of furniture or just nicknacks – you have in the house, the more likely they are to collect dust. Luckily, Japandi and minimalist interiors are trending now. Declutter!
They may smell nice, but you might want to avoid scented products. Anything you use to scent your house, from incense and scented candles to air fresheners and diffusers, can irritate allergies further, even if they’re all natural. But that’s not all! Scented laundry detergents and dryer sheets can also be irritating.
Another tip for an allergy free home is to consider removing all carpets, if possible. If not, get low pile rugs that don’t collect as much dust. Or better yet, jute or rattan rugs instead of synthetic fibres, which tend to attract dust.
Finally, add plants to your home that are superstars at cleaning the air. These include:
- spider plants
- snake plants
- orchids.
Cleaning
Cleaning well is a must for an allergy free home. That’s because dust and mould particles, along with pollen, are the most common allergy culprits.
When dusting, clean from top to bottom to avoid spreading dust on areas you just cleaned.
Also, don’t just brush the dust away with a feather duster or dry cloth. Use a damp microfibre cloths to pick up particles instead of just moving them around. Rinse the cloth frequently. Make sure you remember to clean ceiling fans, skirting, window sills, blinds, and curtains. Also clean your headboard and your bed frame, especially if either is covered in fabric.
Be especially aware of where mould might be growing in your house. Think: grout in the bathroom, cupboards under the sink, or the back of dishwashers or laundry machines. Check and clean these areas regularly, and address any leaks that may be leading to mould growth.
Also, get a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. These are often sold as ‘pet friendly’ vacuums. This will help to capture small particles. Don’t limit your vacuuming to the floors, either. Be sure to change the attachment and do your soft furnishings, curtains and cushions, too.
Of course, you should also frequently wash bedding, clothing, curtains, and other fabrics regularly to remove allergens.
Luckily today, there are plenty of technical solutions that can help you keep an allergy free home.
Even if you don’t live in a warm climate, installing an air conditioner can really help with allergies. That’s because dust mites can’t breed as well at temperatures below 77 F. And of course, when it’s hot and you need to keep the windows closed to stop pollen from getting in, that AC will really come in handy!
If the climate you live in is really wet, getting a dehumidifier that keeps humidity between 30-50% can help reduce allergy symptoms and mould growth. Just be sure to regularly change air filters in your heating and cooling systems, as well as your dehumidifier, to avoid inhaling mould and dust.
As mentioned previously, there are plenty of great vacuum cleaners that have HEPA filters. In my humble opinion, this is one of the best things you can get to reduce allergens in your house. Especially if you have pets!
Finally, if you’re really suffering, you should invest in really good air purifiers for every room in your house. You’ll really feel the difference! And you’ll also be inhaling less air pollution, too.
Personal Habits
If you truly want an allergy free home, you might have to change some personal habits. For example? If you have pets, designate certain areas of your home as pet-free zones. Also ensure your furry friends are brushed (cats) or bathed (dogs) regularly.
To stop allergens from entering your home, take your shoes off when you come inside. And make sure everyone else does, too!
Shower daily to get pollen and dust out of your hair, and keep windows closed when the pollen count is high.
By using these useful tips for an allergy free home, you should be able to reduce your symptoms and live a healthier, more comfortable life!
Do you have any more tips for creating an allergy free home? Please let us know in the comments, below if so!
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