The air inside your home is a lot more polluted than the air outside. In fact, when it comes to allergies and asthma, studies show that indoor allergens like dust mites are as much of an issue for people as outdoor allergens.
And while you can’t do much about pollen counts and other outdoor factors, there are things you can do at home to ensure clean air and reduce your risk of exposure to allergenic particles. Here’s how:
Replace the filters on your home’s A/C and furnace units.
In order to reduce allergens in the air, you should replace filters on your home’s air conditioning and heating units. These filters keep pollen out of your home, which can make the difference between waking up with a scratchy throat and being able to breathe easily.
How often do I need to change my filter?
It depends on how bad the pollen season is where you live: if there are more than 20 days per month of “high” or “unhealthy” levels of pollen (according to the EPA), then you should change your filter every month.
If there aren’t many days with high levels of pollen in your area, then you might be able to get away with changing it only once every two months. You’ll also want to check how old your current filter is before buying a new one; if it’s been more than six months since its last replacement, then it’s time for an upgrade!
Vacuum regularly – at least once a week.
Vacuum your home with a HEPA filter. A HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum is the best option, as it will remove allergens from your home and not just push them around.
Use an attachment to vacuum your mattress. Use an upholstery attachment to remove dust mites and other allergens from mattresses, particularly if you suffer from allergies while you sleep at night.
Vacuum the carpet and then vacuum the floor. Start on the carpeted area first, then finish by vacuuming all hard surfaces in between each pass of cleaning upholstery or rugs on carpets so that you don’t miss any dirt that may have been dislodged during these two steps of cleaning!
Vacuum furniture and drapes regularly in addition to walls/floors/rugs/mattresses because they’re often overlooked when we think about what needs cleaning most often!
Clean your garbage can.
Clean your garbage can. To keep allergens at bay, use a garbage can with a lid. If you don’t have one, be sure to cover the top of your open trash bin with a filter (like an old pillowcase) when you take out the trash. Not only will this help prevent allergens from getting into your home, but it’ll also make it easier to clean out later—so there’s no excuse not to do so!
Replace the bag regularly. When replacing the bag in your covered bin or covered outside trash can, make sure that you’re using either a bag designed specifically for allergen-proofing or one that has been specifically treated by being made from non-allergenic materials (plastic). This way, any remaining dust particles left behind by previous bags won’t get trapped inside and become airborne again when new ones are used!
Clean bathrooms and drains once a week.
Cleaning your bathroom weekly is a great way to keep it smelling fresh and looking clean. A thorough cleaning includes washing the toilet, tub, floor and walls. Use a cleaner that contains bleach or hydrogen peroxide to disinfect surfaces like the sink basin and countertops.
Make sure drains are unclogged by pouring boiling water down them regularly to keep them flowing freely. You can also use vinegar in this process as well; it will help remove any buildup that has accumulated on the drain trap and pipes within the system while disinfecting at the same time!
Wash shower curtains, towels, and rugs frequently.
Shower curtains, towels and rugs should be washed frequently as well. You don’t want to forget about these items because they can collect dust, mold and other allergens that can enter your home and trigger an attack.
Wash shower curtains at least once a week; wash towels at least once a week; wash rugs at least once a month—or more often if you have pets in your household.
Wash items in hot water with detergent that contains enzymes (this helps break down allergens). Rinse thoroughly, especially any places where the item touches the floor or wall (think about how many feet have been there!). Dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes (longer is better), making sure it’s completely dry before using again!
Don’t use air fresheners or scented candles.
Don’t use air fresheners or scented candles.
There are many reasons why you should avoid these products, one of which is that they can trigger asthma attacks in sensitive people. Air fresheners and scented candles also have a number of negative environmental impacts, including excess packaging waste and the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere (especially paraffin candles). The chemicals used to manufacture air fresheners may be harmful to your health, too.
Choose unscented or low-scented options over those with heavy fragrances to reduce the risk of allergic reactions at home as well as long-term health problems caused by chemical exposure. Instead of using aerosol sprays for cleaning purposes, opt for natural cleaners such as vinegar or baking soda solutions instead; both are effective without allergen concerns!
Use mattress and pillow covers designed to protect against allergens.
Use mattress protectors and pillow covers designed to protect against allergens. These are great for people with pets, who might be allergic to pet dander or mold. As long as you don’t have a mechanical bed, they’re easy to use—just slip them over your mattress and pillows before you go to sleep.
The covers can be washed in the washing machine, making it easy for you keep them clean. Plus, they’ll help you sleep better by improving the quality of your mattress (if it’s not very good) and keeping dust mites away from your face at night so that you’re breathing easier during rest time!
Don’t allow pets on furniture you sleep on!
Pets shed hairs, and these hairs can be an allergen. They’re also a source of dust mites, which can cause allergies and asthma. They can also serve as a breeding ground for mold spores that are known to aggravate allergies.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you better understand how to protect yourself from allergens at home – both inside and outside. As we’ve mentioned before, it’s important to keep in mind that not all allergies are created equal.
The best thing you can do is know what triggers yours and try your best to avoid those triggers as much as possible. If all else fails, there are always medications that can help ease the symptoms of your condition!
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