Allergies can plague us even in the comfort of our own homes. Dust, mold, pet dander, and pollen can be the source of sneezing, itching, and other uncomfortable symptoms. In a recent ConsumerAffairs survey, ants topped the list of the most problematic household pests, followed by roaches and spiders. All these creepy crawlers can also cause allergies, and eliminating them from your home is a great way to combat allergens.
What can you do to protect your family from potential allergens or other health risks? Here are six tips to help you allergy-proof your home and be one step further to a healthy and pleasant life:
1. Secure Your Home
Secure your home to keep out dust, pests, and other allergens that can aggravate your allergies. Make sure you go over the exterior of your home and seal any openings, gaps, or cracks. Check windows, screens, door frames, and pipes and wires are typical pathways for pests to enter your home.
You should also take Homeowners’ insurance to add a layer of protection. Besides helping to keep allergens at bay, insurance coverage safeguards your home from potential damage and gives you peace of mind. Data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) indicates that most homeowners in the U.S. – an incredible 85% – have secured their homes with an insurance policy. Taking the extra step to secure your home can go a long way in keeping allergens away and recovering from unforeseen damage.
2. Steam-Clean Carpets and Furniture
Carpets and upholstered furniture can trap and house many allergens, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, which could trigger respiratory issues and allergic reactions. Therefore, one of the best ways to help reduce the level of bugs in your home is to steam-clean carpets, sofas, couches, and other upholstered furniture regularly.
3. Vacuum and Clean Regularly
Regularly vacuuming and mopping can help reduce dust and other allergens in your home. To be precise, vacuuming carpets and rugs remove allergens such as dust mites, pet hair, and mold from their fibers. Similarly, cleaning hard surfaces such as floors and countertops will reduce the dust and other allergens allowed to settle in those spaces. By regularly vacuuming and cleaning, you will not only reduce your exposure to allergens but also keep the air in your home fresh.
4. Control Pest Infestations
Pests such as ants, spiders, roaches, and bedbugs can enter your home and easily spread, causing an increase in allergy symptoms. Therefore, you should act quickly to prevent the spread of pests and get your home back under healthy control. Otherwise, you could be faced with a massive infestation in no time. For example, The French Union for Pest Control observed a dramatic surge in bed bugs in the country, increasing from 180,000 cases in 2018 to a staggering figure of 400,000 in 2020. This demonstrates the importance of being aware of the signs of any pest infestation.
5. Keep Humidity Levels Low
Keeping humidity levels low inhibits the proliferation of mold and dust mites, which can cause sneezing, coughing, and other allergy symptoms. Ideal humidity levels in your home should be between 30% and 50%, according to Mayo Clinic. Investing in a good dehumidifier can make it easier to regulate humidity levels and maintain an environment that is more suitable for those with allergies.
6. Change HVAC Filters Regularly
Regularly changing your HVAC filter is a great way to trap the dust and other allergens that can travel through your home’s air ducts. Clean filters purify the air in your house and prevent dust and other unwelcome visitors from settling in. Bring in a professional and quality air duct cleaning specialist to maintain your unit and ensure it’s in good shape.
Bottom Line
Combating dust, pests, and other unwelcome allergens is essential for any home. The last thing any homeowner wants is for their home to become a source of allergies they can easily avoid. Luckily, these tips will help to allergy-proof your home and bring more peace and health to your living space. So take the steps necessary to ensure your home is safe from allergens and enjoy a happy and healthy life!
