Indoor pollutants can contribute to significant issues like trouble breathing, sneezing, and coughing. Unfortunately, these issues can persist even outside of the spring season. How can you reduce your chances of getting attacked by the allergens inside your home? Here are six affordable ways to reduce indoor allergens and keep you breathing better year-round.
1. Clean Air Ducts
Your air ducts are a vital part of your HVAC system and help transport clean, cool air around your home. Because of this, dust, pollen, dander, and pet hair can all easily get clogged inside your air ducts. Give your air ducts the care they deserve and remember to hire professional air duct cleaners to help eliminate these allergens. Cleaning air ducts is an affordable and effective way to prevent polluted air from circulating in your home.
2. Have an HVAC Maintenance Plan
In addition to cleaning your air ducts, it’s important to replace filters, add HEPA filters, and maintain your HVAC system year-round. Consider enrolling in a maintenance plan to save on HVAC maintenance costs. Many HVAC companies offer affordable plans, which take away the hassle of remembering and scheduling your own maintenance.
3. Clean Indoor Bedding
Indoor bedding like duvet covers, comforters, pillowcases, and top sheets can all trap harmful allergens. Clean your indoor bedding at least once a week to help eliminate allergens. Use a professional laundry service or use hot water at 130 degrees or hotter for effectiveness.
4. Create a Mini Mudroom
Allergens from outdoors can easily make their way indoors through clothes and shoes. A way to stop indoor allergens from infiltrating your home is to stop them at the entry of your home. Consider making a mini mudroom near a spare closet, or simply install hangers that can store outdoor clothing. Shoes, jackets, ponchos, and other outerwear can be left at the entrance and washed separately if you suffer from serious allergies.
5. Vacuum Often
Many people don’t realize that vacuuming is crucial for trapping harmful dust and allergens in the home. If you don’t have a vacuum, consider investing in one before the spring season starts. Check to see if your vacuum has an easily replaceable filter and can be emptied easily. When vacuuming, use recommended techniques to trap dust and mites from your carpet. To do so, run your vacuum slowly while pulling it toward you. Make sure you’re using the proper setting on your vacuum, such as for low-pile or high-pile rugs.
6. Invest in De-Shedding for Pets
Nothing is worse than having your cats or dogs shed inside your home during the spring season. Outdoor pollutants can quickly invade your home when transported inside by your lovely pets. If you don’t have a pet already but are considering adopting or buying a cat or dog, consider hypoallergenic breeds such as hairless cats or poodles. If you already have a pet and are struggling with allergies, invest in some de-shedding solutions. Weekly grooming or de-shedding at home using shampoos (approved by your vet) and brushing can go a long way in helping you cuddle with your pets without sniffling and sneezing.
Published by: Khy Talara
