By 
Dust mites, pet dander and insect and mouse residue can trigger allergies, causing sneezing and a slew of other uncomfortable symptoms. Your home harbors a great number of hidden allergy-causing culprits. An estimated 50 million Americans, or 1 in 5 Americans, suffer from some type of allergy, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. By developing effective housecleaning strategies, you can greatly reduce the number of allergens in your home.
Pets
Is Fido causing your itchy eyes or stuffy nose? According to the Asthma Center, about 5 to 10 percent of Americans are allergic to pet allergens. Exposure to animal dander from carpets, curtains, upholstery, clothing, bedding, rugs, or air ducts can result in an onset of allergy symptoms. If you’re allergic to your pet, it may be necessary to remove it from the home. At best, keep the animal out of bedrooms and groom it every three to four weeks to keep allergens to a minimum.
Windows
You may think that leaving your windows open will allow fresh air to circulate, and contaminated air to escape. Leaving windows open, however, can expose you to various outdoor allergen triggers, including pollen. You also don’t want to completely seal up the home, concentrating the number of irritants. Keep your windows closed at night to avoid waking up with unpleasant symptoms. During the day, a window air screen can provide proper ventilation without the allergens. Filters, such as the MicroAirScreen from The Allergy Store, filters out pollen and dirt while allowing clean air to enter the home.
Air
Poor ventilation can aggravate your allergies, making it difficult to breathe the air in your home without a harsh reaction caused by irritants. If your home’s ventilation is properly maintained, it can filter out a majority of allergens. It’s crucial to clean out your air filter on a regular basis to avoid circulating allergens, such as pet dander and pollen. Many health experts recommend using a humidifier for allergy relief, such as the Pureguardian Ultrasonic Humidifier from Gaiam, which adds moisture for a healthy home for allergy and asthma sufferers.
Carpets
No matter what type of carpet you have in your home, allergens will find their way in. They sink into the carpet fibers and only a fraction are picked up by regular carpet cleaning. To remove the majority of allergens from your carpets, it’s critical to choose a high-powered vacuum that has powerful suction, such as the vacuum collection available from stores. Vacuum daily to prevent a buildup of allergens and to improve air quality in your home.
Bed
Most people spend an average of seven to nine hours a day sleeping, according to the National Sleep Foundation. During this time, irritants found on your sheets, pillows, and blankets can cause a host of allergy symptoms. To kill the majority of allergens, wash your bedding in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit, to kill small insects. Consider making the switch to allergen-proof, zippered covers for your mattress, box spring, and pillows. Following these steps can lead to a healthier and more peaceful night’s sleep.
Types of allergy
- Gluten allergy
- Food allergy
- Mold allergy
- Pollen allergy
- Milk allergy
- Wheat allergy
- Peanut allergy
- Dairy allergy
- Sun allergy
Comments