Suffering from allergies is something a lot of people have to put up with. While some people have allergies to food, others can be allergic to dust mites, pollen, or pet dander. All of these particles in the air can make allergy sufferers sniffly, red-eyed or itchy. They can also affect some people’s breathing, especially if they have asthma. It can be difficult to manage these things when you go out, but you can try to control them in your home. It’s not always easy, but you can do some things to keep allergens low. If you’re fed up of allergies, try these techniques.
Photo courtesy of William Brawley
Buy Hypoallergenic Mattresses and Bedding
Your bedding can be a great place for dust mites to hide, and for other allergens to gather. Washing your sheets will help, but there are other ways to keep your bed cleaner. One thing you can consider is changing your mattress. Memory foam mattresses are hypoallergenic and will help to keep dust mites away. However, they are also expensive, so not everyone can afford one. You can also cover your mattress, pillows and box spring in dust mite proof covers. Make sure to wash your bedding at least once a week at a high temperature, and use synthetic materials instead of wool or feathers.
Get Air Filters
Some people find that an air filter helps them to breathe better or improves their skin. They can help with dust mites, pollen, mold, and bacteria. Not all filters are equal to each other, however. That’s exactly why Plenty Air recommends true HEPA filters to get the best results. There are some filters that say they are HEPA-like, but they’re not the real deal. HEPA filters use glass fibers to let air pass through while stopping large contaminants. They can be useful for allergies and to keep you healthy, picking up 99.9% of impurities.
Photo courtesy of Tina Franklin
Vacuum Regularly
Regular vacuuming will help to control allergens in your home. They can get into carpets and rugs and stick around. However, some people find it’s much better to remove carpeting altogether. Hardwood floors or other hard floors are easier to maintain if you have allergies. You still need to sweep and vacuum, but you can use one that includes a HEPA filter. Another option is to use low pile rugs if you can’t get rid of them. For example, you might live in an apartment and need them for soundproofing.
Furniture
Soft furnishings can also harbor allergens, so getting rid of them could be a good idea. You don’t have to give up comfort, though. Leather or faux leather can still be comfortable and are better options for allergy sufferers. You can use harder materials too, such as wood, metal and plastic. To make things more comfortable, you can use accessories that you can wash. Put dust mite covers on your cushions and wash throws regularly.
It’s difficult to eliminate allergens in your home. In fact, you can never get rid of them completely. But if you’re vigilant, you can minimize anything that irritates you.
