Top Allergens In Your Home
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Spring is here! With the arrival of Spring, many individuals are cringing at the thought of those nasty allergies that seem to appear every year. Although your first thought might be to hide inside your home, these common home allergens might make you think twice! Read below to find out what the top allergens in your home are and how you can minimize their effect on you!
Bedroom and Living Room – Top Allergens: Dust Mites and Pet Dander
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Dust mites are more common in the bedroom than anywhere else in your home. Dust mites tend to thrive inside mattresses, pillows, cushions, and carpeting. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, homeowners should use dust-proof zippered covers on the bed and pillows.
Tips to Eliminate Dust Mites and Pet Dander:
- Clean your floors weekly with a good HEPA vacuum. Bare floors should never be dry swept or mopped. Bare floors are better than rugs or carpeting if you have allergies.
- Bedding and rugs should be washed weekly in hot water.
- Keep bedrooms a pet free zone by keeping the door closed at all times.
- Use a free-standing HEPA filter in the bedroom.
- Change HVAC filters once a month.
Kitchen – Top Allergens: Cockroaches and Smoke
Cockroaches and smoke can trigger allergies, so keeping a clean kitchen, free of crumbs and smoke, is key. A simple exhaust vent can help to remove some of the smoke that might arise from cooking. Keeping a clean kitchen is not only better for allergies, but will minimize bacteria as well.
Tips to Eliminate Cockroaches and Smoke:
- Keep kitchen clean and crumb-free.
- Keep sink empty, wipe down countertops often, and mop the floors weekly.
- It may help to use natural, unscented cleaning products for those individuals who find cleaners irritating.
- Install an exhaust vent over the stove to reduce cooking smoke.
Bathroom, Laundry Room, & Basement – Top Allergen: Mold
Mold thrives in damp places, reducing moisture is essential to maintaining an allergen-free bathroom, laundry room, and basement. Each section of your home should be regularly inspected for excess moisture to eliminate the possibility of mold growth.
Tips to Eliminate Mold:
- Replace shower curtains regularly and scour the sink and tub at least monthly.
- In the laundry room, clean the floor and hard surfaces weekly.
- Check plumbing often to ensure that none of the pipes are leaking.
- In the basement, invest in a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture in the air.
- Store all items in sealed, plastic containers.
- Regularly check the foundation, windows, and stairwells for signs of wetness and mold.
Following these tips will help your home be on its way to be allergen-free!!!!
