Allergies vary in severity, but most people will agree that they are annoying. At the moment, researchers believe that about 50 million Americans suffer from some kind of allergy. This means the issue is common, and it also means that people need relief. Sure, talking to your doctor may help, but sometimes you might want some home remedies, which is where the following tips can help.
Change Your Filters
One of the easiest things to do is to change air conditioner filters or furnace filters. These filters are designed to keep pollen and other types of air particles from coming into your home through the ventilation system. Filters are effective, but they do not last forever. You need to change these filters because their efficiency will diminish overtime. It should be noted that clogged filters can make your ventilation system work harder, which means higher bills, and no one wants that.
Do not Neglect Air Ducts
Yes, this is another part of your ventilation system, but this one does require professional help. The air ducts of your system do not normally affect you because any debris that passes through them is caught by the filter. Now, filters that are not changed often make it harder for air to pass through the system, and this creates pressure. The pressure makes it easy for things like pollen and dust particles to settle at the bottom of the air ducts. This accumulation will blow through your vents the moment you forget to change your filters at any time. You do not need to clean your air ducts more than twice a year, but this must be maintained when its time.
Pay Attention to the Bedding
Dust mites are all over the place, and they can make it into your mattress or pillows. This usually happens when you do not clean your pillow cases or bedding regularly. Making sure you clean these items at least once a week should prevent dust mites from settling in. You do not want to be the person who goes to sleep with allergies and wakes up with them, too. You should also know that humans shed skin from time to time, which can accumulate in your bedding. This could also become an allergy trigger.
Clean Your Home
You might be surprised how many people do not clean their homes throughly. The home may be neglected because the home dwellers just don’t have the time to clean or have other things to do. This phenomena is understandable, which could be one reason why some parents use household cleaning as a form of punishment or to share the family load. Yes, the secret is out. Most people do not want love to clean, but it is important. You want to use a vacuum with HEPA filters to get as much dust as possible, and you should use electrostatic cloths to clean surfaces. Do this at least once a week. Remember that cleaning starts from the top and moves to the bottom. This is because dust or other particles fall down.
Switching to a Hard Surface
Now, some people may have carpet. Carpets can be beautiful, and they can help make you feel a little more comfortable as it serves as a cushion for your feet and children to play on, but there is an issue with carpets. The problem is they capture dust and hide it from you. Yes, vacuuming helps, but it is not perfect. If you have a choice and can switch to something like hardwood floors, you should do so. These surfaces are a lot easier to clean.
The Pet Problem
Pets are quite playful. Not many will deny that a pet can win the hearts of everyone in the house, but these little four-legged lovelies can have a huge impact on a family member’s allergies. Pet dander and even saliva can lead to attacks. Sure, there are some that say that you should just get rid of your pet, but people who say that may not understand the love for a dog or cat. There is something that you can do. For one, you can make sure you wash your pet once a week to remove the dander as much as possible. It might also be a good idea to practice washing your hands after petting your furry friend, which is something the whole family should do.
The Doormat Solution
Another idea to use two doormats instead of just one. This might seem inconsequential, but it can make a big difference. You and everyone in your home drags dust and other particles into the house by way of your shoes. Placing two doormats instead of one helps reduce the amount of particles that actually enter into your home. The exterior mat deals with the first layer of dirt, and the second takes care of the second. Those who want to go the extra mile might want to consider having everyone remove their shoes when entering a house. The shoes can be placed in a shoe box. Make sure you have enough indoor shoes for guests, too. This idea might not be too common in the United States, but many cultures practice this custom, so it is not that strange to ask guests to take off their shoes.
As you can see, there are a number of things that you can do to make your home as allergy-free as possible. This does not mean that an allergy attack is impossible, but it should reduce the chances of one, which is about as much as anyone could hope for.
