As medicine and life-saving techniques are improving with the advent of new technology, a strange phenomenon is presenting itself.
People are increasingly becoming allergic to various things, including food and other triggers.
These triggers, or allergens, may be different for each individual and affect them to varying degrees. Sometimes, allergies can flare up according to the seasons, because of such things as pollen in the air.
To prevent the occurrence of sniffling and sneezing in your own home, here are some top tips to keep allergens at a minimum.
Frequent Cleaning
One of the best ways to free your home of allergens is having a regular cleaning schedule.
This ensures that whatever allergens creep into your home are frequently removed and are unable to do any harm.
Be sure to use cleaning products that are allergy-friendly as some may contain chemicals that will aggravate allergies and cause more issues.
While doing your clean-up, it is crucial to have a barrier between you and the dust you might uncover. A surgical mask, available at most pharmacies, is a good option. Otherwise, cloth masks can be helpful too.
Have the right tools that will quickly and efficiently get the job done. Vacuums with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can make your home cleaner and safer.
Close Windows
Proper ventilation and circulation within the home are excellent unless you have an allergy to pollen, and it is the height of spring.
While it may be tempting to invite a natural and cooling breeze, be aware that you may also be letting into your house the allergens that you should be avoiding.
Doors and windows should be kept closed if you have bad allergies to pollen. Be aware when the pollen count is high.
You can also track the presence of allergens in the air through weather reports or your allergist’s website. In the meantime, enjoy the coolness from your air-conditioner.
Get an Air Purifier
Getting an air purifier may also help to keep allergy symptoms low in your home. With its various functions, you can keep the air clean as well as lower humidity.
Dampness encourages the growth of dust mites and mould. As such, it is worthwhile keeping the air on the drier side to prevent flaring up allergy symptoms.
Hypoallergenic Covers
For cushions, pillows, mattresses, and box springs, you would do well to obtain allergen-resistant coverings.
Make sure you get ones that are zippered or can otherwise be removed for cleaning.
Alternatively, plastic covers work well. They reduce your exposure to dust mites that may cause allergy symptoms. Remember that these coverings have to be cleaned periodically as well.
Machine-Dry Clothes and Linens
Rather than putting your laundry out to dry, it is better for your allergies that you have them machine-dried.
Alter the settings to a higher temperature to ensure that any lingering dust mites are killed. Having laundry washed in hot water helps as well.
Be sure that sheets and clothes are washed weekly or more frequently as needed to keep allergen levels in the house low.
Use Removable and Washable Floor Coverings
To aid in your fight against household allergens, try to get floor coverings such as throw rugs rather than full carpeting.
This allows you to remove and wash the coverings to ensure that allergens are removed. Rugs and carpets can hide many allergy-inducing triggers such as pet dander, dust, pollen, dust mites, and more.
Carpet Dry Cleaning
If you already have full carpet in your house and cannot afford to have it removed, or if you prefer full coverage, make sure to invest in professional carpet dry cleaning. This will ensure that your carpets are clean and allergen-free.
Check Ingredient Lists and Warning Labels
Lastly, make it a point to always check for allergy warnings on food packaging. Most foods will have allergy-inducing ingredients listed prominently.
Otherwise, be sure you can recognise the allergy-causing food in your life. Make sure that none of it enters your home, even accidentally.
