Studies have shown that more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies.
Allergies can cause everything from itchy eyes to a scratchy throat and can even make it difficult for some people to breathe. If you’ve ever dealt with allergies, you know just how miserable they can make you feel.
The problem is that the allergens that cause allergies can be almost impossible to avoid. Many of these allergens are right inside your home and can really take a toll on you if you’re not careful.
Fortunately, you can do away with allergies if you know how to get rid of allergies. It’ll just take a little bit of work on your part.
Here are 10 ways to get rid of allergies in your home effectively.
1. Dust Your Home Regularly Without Allowing Dust to Fly Through the Air
Dusting your home is one of the simplest ways to get rid of the allergens that can cause your allergies to flare up. But you do not simply want to take a duster and send dust flying everywhere when you dust.
Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe away dust from the various surfaces in your home. This will contain the dust to your cloth as opposed to allowing it to fly off and land somewhere else.
Additionally, try to keep your home clutter-free. When you don’t have clutter all over the place, dust won’t pile up throughout your house.
2. Vacuum the Carpets in Your Home At Least Once Every Week
You probably don’t necessarily realize it, but your home’s carpets are likely filled with dust that has worked its way deep down into them. That dust is going to stay there unless you vacuum your carpets once per week.
You should also make it a point to deep clean your carpets occasionally to remove dust that has settled at the bottom of carpeting. View here to see the role your carpets can play in your home’s indoor air quality.
3. Eliminate Pet Dander as Much as You Can
You love your pets. But what you don’t love is all the dander that they send out throughout your home!
Pet dander can be a huge problem for those who suffer from allergies. Groom your pets on a regular basis to bring the dander levels down.
Dusting and vacuuming should also eliminate a lot of the pet dander that’s present in your home.
4. Set Up Air Purifiers in Your Main Living Areas
An air purifier can work wonders in your home if you have a lot of allergens in it. Air purifiers seek to clean the air in your home and get rid of contaminants.
Consider placing air purifiers strategically in different areas of your home. They’re great in spaces like living rooms, dens, bedrooms, basements, and more.
5. Clean Bedsheets, Blankets, and Pillowcases in Hot Water
If you knew how many dust mites and other allergens were in your bedsheets, you probably wouldn’t be able to sleep at night. But they’re there, and they’re causing allergic reactions in many people.
Every few weeks, strip the sheets, blankets, and pillowcases off your bed and wash them in very hot water. This should remove dust mites and allergens from them and make them fresh again.
6. Utilize High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Air Filters
You should be changing the air filter in your HVAC system at least once every three months. Even a cheap air filter will stop dust, allergens, and more from circulating throughout your home.
But for added protection, try using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your HVAC system. It’s specially designed to do away with even more of the dust, allergens, pet dander, and other contaminants that can invade your home.
7. Do Your Best to Prevent Mold and Mildew From Growing
Mold and mildew can cause some serious health issues if they’re allowed to grow freely in your home.
They usually start to show up when an area of your home gets wet and you don’t make an effort to dry it. Keep an eye out for areas in your bathrooms and basement that are prone to moisture. Mold and mildew could grow there before long.
8. Keep Your Windows Closed When the Pollen Count Outside Is High
If you live an area that’s routinely subjected to high pollen counts, the pollen can wreak havoc on your allergies.
But there’s an easy way to stop pollen from affecting you. Simply shut your windows when the pollen count is high and keep them closed until the count goes back down.
Limit the amount of time you spend outside, too. Any exposure to pollen can create major problems for those who have allergies.
9. Purchase Green Cleaning Products or Make Your Own Natural Products
Did you know that you might be allergic to many of the harsh cleaning chemicals on the market today?
If you find yourself sniffling and sneezing whenever you use them, toss them in the trash and replace them with green cleaning products that don’t contain allergens in them.
Or better yet, make your own natural cleaning products at home using things like baking soda and vinegar.
10. Call a Pest Control Company Whenever Necessary
Have a pest problem in your home? Pests can serve as more than just a nuisance to you and your family.
Pests like cockroaches can produce droppings that have allergens in them. Rather than ignoring their presence or pretending like the problem isn’t that bad, call a pest control company to come and take care of pests.
Now That You Know How to Get Rid of Allergies, Start Doing It
Whatever you do, don’t allow your allergies to get the best of you anymore.
If you suspect allergens in your home are affecting you, learn how to get rid of allergies and take steps to do it right away. You’ll feel better almost immediately and avoid having to deal with the side effects of having allergens in your house.
Read our blog for more home-related tips.