Your home is supposed to be your safe space! Not the place you start sneezing and coughing when you walk in the door.
Unfortunately, many people battle to manage their home environments well enough to compensate for their allergies. We’ve compiled a list of easy adjustments you can make or installations like skylights to consider—and they all tend to have a bigger impact on allergy prone individuals than you may think.
And we’re talking GOOD impact! Which of these can you start implementing today?
Declare War on Dust, Mold, Pollen and All Allergens
In short, if you can have less dust than usual, you’ll see you’ll sneeze less. And the same goes for pollen, mold and general allergens. With every piece of furniture or appliance you buy or renovation you do, consider how it impacts dust, pollen and other allergen levels. Below are some examples.
Think Twice About Materials You Use
The source of your allergy frustrations can be as simple as the fabrics used on your furniture and the floor. Using simple wood or plastic furniture or opting for stylish leather will be much better than upholstered chairs and sofas that are difficult to keep dust free.
Rather have a linoleum or hardwood floor. If you insist on having rugs, make sure they’re washable so you can clean them weekly.
In the bedroom you may have to say goodbye to your wool blankets or feather comforter. Synthetic fabrics are much more beneficial.
Don’t Let Clutter Accumulate
If there’s a lot of ‘stuff’ in your home, it’s difficult to keep clean. Rather opt for minimalist living with fewer items to dust.
For example, having all your mementos from your travels displayed on a shelf, creates a space where dust collects. And let’s be honest. You’re NOT going to clean there every week. Rather place them—as well as other clutter like books or toys—in sturdy, sealable containers.
Be Strict About Pets
The dander from pets is a huge culprit when it comes to allergies. Although you love your four-legged friends, it may be necessary to take drastic steps. In extreme conditions where allergies lead to debilitating conditions, you may need to rehome a pet if it’s part of the problem. Alternatively, make sure the pets aren’t allowed on the furniture, or keep them outside from now on.
Also, washing pets more often can also take care of much of the problem. It’s all about trial and error—finding out what exactly triggers your allergies.
Have Good Bed Linen Habits
Those hours you spend in bed should be in an ideal environment, or you’ll often wake up with a stuffed nose. This calls for healthy habits:
- Washing bedding regularly, at least once in three weeks
- Make sure it’s washed in hot water of around 54°C at least
- Use covers on pillows, bedding and box springs, to limit dust mites
Maintain Healthy Temps
Another huge factor to remedy is the temperature inside the home. At higher temperatures you’re creating an environment where mold grows easily and it will also be ideal for dust mites. By adjusting the temperature and finding ways to maintain it—such as smart home features—you’re decreasing the chance of mold and mites overtaking your home.
Manage Airflow and Air Quality
So, you’ve got dust and temperature sorted. Now think about how you can improve the air quality and flow throughout the home.
For starters, smoking inside the house is a definite ‘No!’ and also minimise pollen by only having the right kind of plants inside. You may also have to go without using the fireplace this winter, since the smoke is bad for anyone with respiratory problems. If you do need some heat, a gas fireplace is a good compromise.
For some, it’s the dampness in the air that causes concern. This makes a dehumidifier a smart investment.
Invest in Quality Cleaning Equipment
You may have good intentions to keep the home clean and free of dust or pollen. Unfortunately, if you don’t have cleaning equipment that’s strong enough to remove the allergens, it’s a lost cause. One wise investment is a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter. It can trap even very small particles, reducing the amount of fine dust that will irritate anyone with bad allergies.
Don’t Make it Easy for Pests
Some allergens come from pests and we’re not only talking about horrible cockroaches. The source of the problem can be the birds that started nesting on your property this year. From termites making dust by burrowing into wood, to rodents, birds and crawling insects, always be vigilant so you can notice their presence and oust pests before an entire colony lives on your premises.
[Conclusion]
All is not lost. You don’t have to wake up with a blocked nose or even put your health at risk because of allergens in the home. There’s a lot you can do to take back control and make your home a more welcoming space, even for individuals with allergies.
If you have more tips on the subject, please share with the rest of us.