Allergies are a real bummer. Unfortunately, they’re a reality that many of us face. And there’s no permanent fix for the issue.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergic disease ranks fifth in chronic diseases in America. And allergies affect more than 50 million Americans every year.
And they're on the rise. In fact, experts say that 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children have some allergy. This can make life pretty frustrating.
To avoid annoying allergy symptoms, you may naturally turn to indoor activities. But what you don’t know is that homes can be a silent host to numerous allergens, so you’ve got to take the time to allergy-proof your home.
Here are seven important ways to allergy-proof your home. With a little time and effort, you just may be able to reduce allergy issues.
- Take the time to know what causes allergy symptoms.
It’s hard to allergy-proof your home if you don’t know what causes your allergies. This is why you may need to do a little research.
"There's no point in making changes at home if you don't address your particular allergies," Laurie Ross, editor of Allergy and Asthma Today, tells This Old House. "Who knows, you might be allergic to cats, and here you are keeping your windows closed."
According to This Old House, common allergy triggers are dust mites, mold, pollen and pet dander. So start with these potential triggers. And if you’re not sure what your triggers may be, consider visiting your doctor or allergist to get some tests run to confirm allergens.
- Invest in the best air filters.
- Keep moisture out.
According to Health magazine, inside air can be somewhere between two and five times more polluted than the air we breathe outside. So invest in a top-notch air filter.
Know what to look for when you shop for an air filter. ABC News says that filters use MERV ratings to show how well a filter responds to dust. Your goal is to find an air filter with a high score, preferably a 12, and change the filter about four times every year. Keep a record of the date when you last changed your filter so that you know just when it’s time for a fresh one.
According to Prevention, it’s important to keep your home cool and dry. This helps to lower the chance of mold and dust mites taking over your house. And best of all, it decreases your chance of getting roaches. (Yuck!)
Researchers say that humidity should be less than 50 percent, and remember that dehumidifiers and the use of that good old AC can help. Purchase a hygrometer so that you know your home’s humidity level. You can find this neat little gadget at your favorite hardware or home improvement store.
You’ll want to clean and dry wet carpets within 24 hours. For example, if your basement carpet floods after heavy rains, you won’t want to put carpet cleaning off. And if this isn’t possible, you’ll want to replace the carpeting because mold may grow.
Further, consider getting rid of carpet altogether. Carpet can play host to lots of allergens. So think about ditching carpet and putting in hardwood, linoleum or tile floors.
- Make a clean kitchen your priority.
- Establish an allergy-proof bedroom.
According to the Mayo Clinic, you’ll want to have a vented exhaust fan installed above your stove. This is because the majority of stovetop hoods don’t vent fumes outside. They just recirculate air, meaning that fumes and other allergens don’t actually leave the home.
Keep your sink clean by doing dishes every single day, and take the time to wash your sink and faucets thoroughly to get rid of any buildup. Though we don’t think about it, sinks and faucets can get dirty, too.
Further, keep the refrigerator clean by washing shelves and getting rid of old food. And keep an eye on the rubber seals around the doors of your refrigerator. These may harbor mold. Plus, be sure to keep your cabinets and countertops clean at all times. Crumbs and other “oopsies” can attract bugs and unwanted invaders.
We often don’t think about mattresses because we can’t usually see them under bedding. But mattresses can contribute to allergy symptoms.
According to Web MD, it can be helpful to cover your mattress, box springs and pillows with covers designed with allergies in mind. Vacuuming mattresses once every few weeks can rid them of allergy-causing dust mites.
Steer clear of down products because these may trigger allergy symptoms. And when it comes to furniture, look for cleanable options, like wood, plastic, leather and vinyl. Upholstered furniture can make for a tougher option to keep clean. Further, look for curtains that can be washed on a regular basis. If you have blinds, wipe them down often to prevent dust buildup.
- Take steps to prevent mold in damp areas.
- Don’t bring the outdoors inside.
It’s no secret that damp areas are conducive to mold growth. But there are things you can do to try to prevent this allergy no-no.
According to Everyday Health, allergy-proofing damp areas starts with getting rid of wallpaper. Instead, opt for a paint color that you love. And if you miss the look of wallpaper, try your hand at faux finishes. This can create the same effect in a healthier way.
Clean your sink and tub at least once a month, and don’t forget about moldy shower curtains. These need to be tossed and replaced.
According to This Old House, it can be helpful to have two different doormats. Keep one doormat outside and one just inside the entrance to your home. This reduces the chance that allergens will be tracked in. Plus, consider asking visitors to take off their shoes to eliminate this problem altogether.