Have you been feeling sneezy and itchy lately, even though you don’t have a cold or the flu? It could be allergies. Seasonal allergies are common, affecting up to 30% of adults and 40% of children in the United States, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
There are a number of things you can do to lessen the symptoms of allergies and make your home more comfortable. Here are eight tips:
- Use UV light air purifiers. UV light air purification in New Hampshire and other areas are effective at reducing allergens in the air, including mold spores, bacteria, and viruses. You can have a UV light air purification installed in your home to help reduce allergens and make the air safer to breathe.
- Keep indoor plants. Houseplants can help filter out allergens from the air, as well as improve indoor air quality. Choose plants that are known to be effective at filtering out common allergens, such as spider plants and bamboo palms. Aside from reducing allergens, indoor plants can also help improve your mood and mental well-being.
- Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter. A regular vacuum cleaner won’t do the trick when it comes to removing allergens from your home. Make sure you’re using a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, which is designed to trap small particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander.
- Keep the humidity low. Allergens like dust mites and mold thrive in humid environments. To create an inhospitable environment for these allergens, keep the humidity level in your home below 50%. This can be done with a dehumidifier or by opening windows on days when the weather is dry.
- Wash bedding in hot water weekly. Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in fabric and feed on skin cells. They’re a common cause of allergies, and their feces can trigger asthma attacks. To get rid of dust mites, wash all of your bedding, including sheets, blankets, and pillowcases, in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) every week.
- Use allergen-proof covers for pillows and mattresses. In addition to washing your bedding in hot water, you can also use allergen-proof covers for your pillows and mattress. These covers are designed to seal off allergens and prevent them from coming into contact with your skin.
- Keep pets out of the bedroom. If you have pets, they may be adding to your allergy problems. Pets can track in pollen and other allergens on their fur, so it’s best to keep them out of the bedroom (and off the furniture). If you must have pets in your home, make sure they’re well-groomed and clean to minimize the amount of allergens they’re tracking in.
- Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoke is a known irritant and can worsen allergy symptoms. If you or someone in your home smokes, quitting is the best way to reduce allergens and improve your health.
By following these tips, you can make your home more comfortable and lessen the symptoms of allergies. Make sure to talk to your doctor if your allergies are severe or if you’re having difficulty managing them.
