If someone in your home suffers from allergies, it’s essential to take steps to boost indoor air quality. Many people associate allergies with outdoor irritants and overlook the quality of the air indoors. Here are a few easy ways to allergy-proof your home.
Controlling Mold to Allergy-Proof Your Home
Airborne mold spores trigger allergies and aggravate asthma symptoms. To allergy-proof your home, start by limiting moisture to reduce the likelihood of mold growth. Check the humidity levels and make sure they aren’t above 45 – 55%.
Clean the bathroom and kitchen regularly to keep mold from forming, a concern in damp, humid rooms. Boost ventilation by running the fan in the bathroom and kitchen while you shower and cook.
Eliminate Dust When Allergy-Proofing
Dust settles on surfaces in the home over time, and it may aggravate conditions like seasonal allergies and asthma. When allergy-proofing your home, wipe down your surfaces daily. Use gloves and a mask when cleaning if you are sensitive to dust. Wash or vacuum curtains, throw pillows, and other upholstery at least weekly since textiles and fibers trap dust.
Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap particles and keep dust, pet dander, and pollen out of your home’s air. Change the HVAC filters once a month if you have allergy symptoms, and purchase high-quality filters for your furnace or air conditioner. Invest in hypoallergenic pillow covers and mattress protectors, as most pillows and mattresses cannot be easily cleaned.
Keep Pollen Outside to Allergy-Proof Your Home
Pollen does not form naturally in the house like mold or dust, but it can be tracked into the home. As a result, pollen is an important consideration when allergy-proofing your home.
After spending time outside, remove your shoes at the door. Change your clothes and take a shower to rinse pollen from your hair and skin. Place doormats in front of every entrance and wipe off your shoes before removing them. During spring and early summer, keep your doors and windows closed to keep pollen from getting indoors.
Prevent Pet Allergy Problems
Some pet owners struggle with allergies. If you are allergic to pet dander, bathe your cat or dog frequently. As part of allergy-proofing your home, keep the pet’s bed and toys in a room where you don’t spend much time. Make sure your pet’s bedding is easy to wash because these items accumulate dander. Regular grooming removes fur and dander that contribute to indoor allergies.
Drew Inspection Service offers inspection services to home buyers and sellers in South Dakota. Contact us to request an appointment.