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Tips to Rid Your Home of Allergens This Spring

Although spring is usually associated with increased pollen counts and runny noses, most allergies originate from poor indoor air quality rather than drastic changes outdoor conditions. In order to help relieve common symptoms associated with springtime, consider cleaning and reorganizing the interior of your home before trying to fend off invisible outdoor allergens.

Mold, dust mites, pet dander, and chemical air pollutants such as formaldehyde are common allergy triggers found in most homes. As airborne allergens, tiny fibers, dander, and spores can cause respiratory problems, irritate the eyes and nose, and trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. Test kits are available to determine the approximate levels of specific allergens in your home so that you can tailor your spring cleaning to remove sources of airborne pollutants.

Consider using indoor air purifiers with High Efficiency Particle Air (HEPA) filters, named such for their ability to remove 99.95% of most airborne particles and allergens. Lesser grade air filters may not remove the allergens that are causing respiratory discomfort. HEPA filters, on the other hand, are approved and recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency to help improve indoor air quality. Many indoor air purifiers, such as the IQAir HealthPro, are designed for large rooms and will help improve your indoor air quality year round. Be sure, however, to choose air purifiers that not only have a HEPA filter, but also ones approved for the square footage of your room or house.

Not only should you have a HEPA filter in your indoor air cleaner, your vacuum should have one as well. Regular cleaning can help remove pollen, dander, and dust from your carpets and rugs, but it might end up back in the air without a proper filter on your vacuum. You should also vacuum baseboards, furniture, and any flat surface where dust collects. All vacuum bags and containers should be emptied outside and away from the house.

In order to thoroughly clean your home, rent or purchase a vapor steam cleaner. You can also hire companies to provide this service, too. Steam cleaning disinfects and deodorizes fibers and surfaces and can be used to thoroughly clean everything from windows to carpets and furniture. Disinfecting your home with steam should be done more than once a year and purchasing a small model, like the Whitewing vapor steam cleaner, can help you save money over time.

Dust mite feces is one of the most common allergens in the home. These small mites feed on dust and dead skin cells anywhere in your home. Although HEPA filters and steam cleaning can remove airborne allergens, you need to regularly clean your bedding in order to prevent dust mites from settling in your sheets. Linens should be cleaned at least twice a week in hot water to kill any dust mites and thoroughly clean your bedding of any residue. You can also use dust mite covers for your pillows, mattress, and blankets.

To further prevent allergens from settling in your bed, consider having your pets sleep elsewhere instead of on the bed with you. By giving them an alternative, comfortable place to sleep, they'll rest well, but also keep dander away from your bed. By showering before bedtime, you also help prevent allergens from settling in your sheets. Pollen and other airborne pollutants can get caught in your hair and follow you to bed. By bathing prior to sleep, you reduce the amount of allergens to which you are subjected during the night.

Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels throughout your home, especially in areas where humidity levels are high. Basements, bathrooms, and kitchens are perfect places for mold growth and require special attention when it comes to moisture levels in the air. Limiting houseplants and immediately fixing leaks also helps to reduce humidity levels and prevent mold growth. Small, quiet dehumidifiers like the one made by Danby offer simple, low profile designs that cover large spaces.

Use air filters wherever possible, especially in your home ventilation system. Your furnace is a good place to start and most have washable filters that should be cleaned or replaced regularly throughout the year. These work especially well when used in conjunction with room air purifiers.

Keep in mind that indoor air quality can cause problems all year round, not just in the spring. By maintaining clean air inside your home, you can relieve allergy symptoms through every season!