How to Minimize Indoor Allergens?

Mold, dust, pollen, and other allergens could become unavoidable for those people suffering from allergies. However, you can actually do something to combat against watery eyes and runny noses. If you want to know how to make allergy season more bearable in your home, here are some of the steps you can consider according to the best allergist Chicago. 

Prevent pet’s dander 

Similar to human beings, pets tend to spend most of their time indoors especially in the winter season. Pet dander or pet allergens can be seen in the dander and saliva of dogs and cats, and no breed is allergy-free. You can cut down the number of dander they provide by bathing them once every week. The key with animal dander is avoidance, but, make sure to wash your hands with water and soap after you pet a dog or cat. This is to help prevent the symptoms from getting worse. Keep in mind that your need to keep our pets out of your bedroom and you need to vacuum your carpets more frequently as well. This way, you can cut down a substantial amount of allergens.  

Regularly clean your home 

Indoor allergens such as pet dander and dust mites can be reduced by vacuuming with a HEPA filter at least once per week. As you dust around your knick-knacks and books, utilize an electrostatic or microfiber cloth that will take the dust rather than only moving and transferring it around. While you’re vacuuming and dusting, dust will also be mixed up in the air. Hence, if you’re allergic, it would be best to utilize an N95 filter mask as you clean.  

Replace your bedding 

One of the usual indoor allergens you can find in upholstered covers, carpeting, mattresses, and pillows are dust mites. You need to guarantee to cover your pillows, box springs, and mattresses with allergen-proof covers so that you can reduce the allergens you might encounter while you’re sleeping. Also, you can wash your pillowcases and sheets in hot water at least once per week to prevent dust mites from infesting.  

Change furnace filters 

As soon as you turn on the heat, allergens such as pet dander and dust could stay in your home’s air ducts. We highly suggest that you use a high-efficient filter for your furnace to minimize the number of hazardous indoor allergens that will be circulating all over your house. It’s suggested for every homeowner like you to change your air filters at least every 2-3 months. Begin to replace it with the seasons so that you won’t forget to do it.  

Observe humidity levels 

Because of the dry air every winter, a lot of property owners utilize humidifiers to add moisture to the air. Though humidifiers are intended to stop dryness, the humidity levels could be promoting dust mites and molds to live and grow especially if you fail to monitor the humidity levels. Hence, you need to utilize a humidity meter to observe and be updated on your home’s humidity.