Allergies are one of the most common ailments in the United States. Roughly 50% of people have to deal with them on a regular basis, and for about 12 million Americans, allergies can be so severe that they require hospitalization annually.
If you suffer from allergies, it’s important to know how to prevent allergens from spreading in your house. Here are some tips for doing just that.
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1) Buy An Air Purifier
An air purifier is a device that cleans the air in a room. It does this by trapping pollutants and allergens in the filter, then releasing clean air back into the room. This can be a great way to prevent allergens from spreading in your house, so if you don’t already own one, now is time to buy it. When looking for air purifiers, keep in mind that some are better at trapping smaller particles than others. According to howtohome.com, it would be ideal if you had both the air purifier plus the air humidifier. However, you can also buy air purifier/humidifier combo units at many home goods stores. Having these devices in your house can dramatically improve your quality of life.
2) Keep Your House Clean
One of the best ways to prevent allergens from spreading is to keep your house clean. Allergens get into your house through doors, windows, vents, and other openings. Once inside your home, they are often found in carpets and rugs. Be sure to vacuum frequently to eradicate these allergens so that it’s easier to prevent them from spreading in your house. Also, be sure to dust regularly, wipe down surfaces with a mixture of vinegar and water, and clean your carpets every three months. This will help get rid of allergens in places where they can get trapped easily.
Carpet and rugs are great places for allergens to hide while they wait to be spread throughout your house. If you have carpeting or rugs in your home, it might be best if you removed them-especially if you don’t use them very often. Doing so will make it easier for you to prevent allergens from spreading.
3) Keep Your Bed Clean
Your bed can also accumulate allergens up to 1,000 times more than other surfaces in the room. Allergens can get onto your bedding while you sleep. It’s important that you wash all of your sheets and pillowcases often, doing so at least once a week. This will help remove allergens from surfaces where they are likely to settle, making it easier to prevent them from spreading in your house.
When cleaning your sheets and pillowcases, be sure to use warm water and a mild detergent. If you have allergies, it would also be smart to add an extra rinse cycle after washing your bedding. Doing this will help get rid of any allergens that might still be on your sheets and pillowcases. Also, don’t forget to dry your bedding in a high heat setting so you kill any remaining allergens.
4) Take Care Of The Mold In Your House
If you live in a humid area, chances are that there is mold somewhere inside your home. There are many different types of fungi spores that can grow anywhere from your shower curtain to your carpet. You should be watching out for one called Cladosporium, since this is the most common one found in homes and it’s also one of the most common causes of allergies. Take a look around your house to see if you can find it. If you do, then remove it before it starts causing problems for you.
When removing mold, be sure to use a mixture of water and bleach. Bleach is the only substance that will successfully kill mold in your home, so make sure you’re using it when you clean up any growths. Also, try to keep humidity levels low when removing mold from your house.
5) Keep Pets Out Of Your Bedroom
Pets can have a big impact on your quality of life because they can easily spread allergens throughout your home. This means that if you have a pet, you could be breathing in their dander and fur every time you breathe. If this is the case for you, then it would be best to keep them out of your bedroom until you’ve treated the problem. If you have a pet that’s an indoor/outdoor pet, then keep them outside for at least half of the day. You can also buy a high-quality air purifier to help remove their allergens from your house. This will make it easier to prevent allergens from spreading in your home and will help you breathe better when you sleep.
These are just a few of the things you can do to keep allergens from spreading in your home. Allergens have the potential to cause issues for your health, so it’s important that you work hard to prevent them from taking over your house.
