How to Make Your Home Allergy Friendly

Allergens are any substances that cause allergic reactions. These materials can also trigger asthma symptoms in some people.See Disclosure ¹ Most allergens spread through the air and settle on furniture, doors and home fixtures. Measured in microns or micrometers, the load of each allergen varies widely in size. Some of the major sources of indoor allergens are:

• Pets
• Carpets
• Upholstered furniture
• Bedding
• Stuffed toys
• Indoor plants
• Pillows and mattresses

If you aren’t sure what is causing the irritation to your sinuses, schedule a visit to an allergist to help you identify what triggers your allergic reactions. The most common suspects are pet dander, mold or mildew and dust mites. Learning your allergy triggers will help you focus on the right preventive measures.

The factors that affect the number of allergens in your home vary widely. These include:

Temperature: Heating, cooling and air quality are directly related. Hot or humid homes often have dust mites and mold. To reduce the presence of both, maintain temperatures between 68- and 72-degrees Fahrenheit and humidity below 50%. This will help reduce the breeding of mites or the buildup of mold or mildew. Consider investing in a smart thermostat that adjusts automatically to changes in the environment. Clean or replace small-particle filters in your heating or cooling systems every 30 to 60 days.

Pests: Hiring a professional exterminator helps clear pests from your house. You can also use inexpensive traps from the hardware store. Remove allergy triggers, such as insects and rodents, by thoroughly vacuuming your carpets and washing hard surfaces with a disinfectant. Stop pests from entering your home in the first place by sealing all exterior cracks and other routes of entry to prevent re-infestation.

Mold: During warm weather months, shut doors and windows and opt for air conditioning and dehumidifiers. Clean washable items with a 5% chlorine bleach solution. Always wear a protective mask when cleaning mold and make sure the room is properly ventilated to be safe from harsh chemicals. Periodically check the ceiling and roof for water leaks as an additional precaution.

Cleaning routine: Come up with a weekly cleaning schedule and adhere to it. Mop wood flooring with a damp mop and vacuum carpeting. Consider using a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Use a carpet cleaner a few times per year or as needed. Clean surfaces like the top of doors, windowsills and frames using a damp cloth.

Smoking: Firmly restrict smoking in your house. To set a clear boundary, inform visitors by using signage to enhance compliance.

Pets: Dogs, cats, pet rodents and birds can all cause allergies. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the symptoms. Regular grooming of your pets can reduce the amount of shedding that occurs. Since baths and brushing won’t get rid of all shedding, invest in a pet vacuum designed to do a better job of grabbing pet hair than their traditional counterparts. Another option is to create a pet free zone - usually the bedroom of the allergy sufferer – where you can spend time relaxing without worry.

• Clean floors regularly: You can remove carpets and opt for hardwood or linoleum flooring. If you prefer carpeted floors, then go for low-pile carpets and vacuum weekly with a HEPA filter.
• Dust or vacuum your furniture frequently: Consider replacing upholstered furniture with leather, metal, wood or plastic ones. Also, dust home appliances, televisions and home theater systems to prevent overwhelming build-up.
• Close windows and use the AC during pollen season: Be sure to clean mold and condensation from windowsills and frames. If you live in a cold climate, consider adding double-paned windows to your home.
• Remove potted plants or spread aquarium gravel over the soil to control the growth of mold.
• Consider keeping pets outdoors when the weather allows to reduce the amount of pet fur.
• Avoid using wood-burning fireplaces or stoves to minimize exposure to gases and smoke. Natural gas or electric fireplaces are more allergy friendly.

• Invest in a vented range hood above your stove. This will help remove cooking fumes and moisture from your kitchen.
• Wash dishes daily and scrub your sink and faucets to eliminate food debris and mold.
• Wipe excessive moisture from your refrigerator to avoid mold. If your fridge has a built-in water dispenser, remember to empty the drip tray regularly.
• Clean cabinets and countertops with water and detergent. Periodically check under sink cabinets or vanities for leaks, or install a water leak sensor.
• Store food in sealed containers.
• Use an insect-proof lid for your trashcan and empty trash daily to reduce pests.

• Encase your pillows and mattress in dust-mite-proof covers. Also, make a habit of washing your bedding once a week.
• Avoid carpets and opt for wooden or tiled flooring.
• Use washable blinds made of synthetic fabric or plain cotton.
• Keep windows locked during the pollen season.
• Avoid upholstered furniture and choose easy-to-clean nightstands, chairs and dressers.
• Eliminate clutter such as tabletop ornaments, books and magazines.
• Keep pets from accessing your bedroom.
• Use a HEPA filter for your room’s air purifier system.
• In kid’s bedrooms, clean toys, wash stuffed animals and store play items in bins.

• Install and use an exhaust fan to minimize moisture.
• Remove carpeting and use vinyl, tile or wood floors.
• Avoid wallpaper and use tiles.
• Dry the tub after each use.
• Clean moldy curtains.
• Scrub mold from plumbing.

• Remove any water-damaged carpeting and use moisture-proof flooring.
• Replace upholstered furniture with furniture made from leather, metal or wood.
• Check and repair any leaks or sources of water damage.
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce dampness.
• Clean your basement frequently.
• Keep collectibles in plastic storage bins instead of cardboard ones because the latter can be an allergy trigger for some people.
• Direct dryer moisture vent outside.

Because you’re exposed to a wide range of allergens daily, it’s crucial to stay on top of allergy prevention. This is especially important if you or a loved one is prone to allergic reactions. Use an air quality monitor that measures levels of common allergens to help you narrow down the culprit. Then follow the tips provided here to help prevent the allergens from returning.