Now that spring has almost officially arrived, many people are celebrating the return of warmer weather, longer days, and all the wonderful outdoor time. Of course, if you happen to be an allergy sufferer, you probably view spring a little differently and see it as that time of year where your allergies kick into over-drive and you are far from comfortable.
For those with seasonal allergies, spring can cause the biggest flare-ups of all, resulting in dry itchy eyes, an itchy or sore throat, sneezing, and stuffed-up sinuses. So, rather than accept your allergies as part of the season, why not look for ways to limit allergens in your home so you can be more comfortable. Here are a few ways you can do just that and create a more allergy-friendly household.
Get Rid of Carpeting
One of the best things you can do for your allergies is to get rid of all the carpets in the home, and that includes area rugs. Carpeting is a magnet for dust, dirt, dander, and other allergens. Even when you stay on top of vacuuming, it’s very hard to get it all since those particles get trapped in the fibers of the carpet. Your best bet is to have some sort of hard flooring, such as tile, hardwood, laminate, or linoleum.
Invest in a New Mattress
Did you know that the mattress that you sleep on every single night could be acting as an allergen trigger? Hidden inside your mattress are literally thousands, even millions of dust mites. These are microscopic so they aren’t visible to the naked eye, but there are there and they can definitely cause a flare-up. So, what’s the solution? You want to be sure you buy a mattress that will provide allergy relief, such as natural memory foam.
Not only that but you can then use a special mattress cover that prevents the dust mites and allergens from getting in your mattress. You can then wash the cover weekly to ensure it stays allergen-free.
Open Windows are Not Your Friend
While it may seem really nice to open up the windows after a long cold winter, the fact is that by doing so you are allowing all those outdoor allergens into the home. Instead, it’s best to keep the windows closed and use ceiling fans and air conditioning to keep your house at a comfortable temperature.
Purchase an Air Filter Unit
It’s also a good idea to purchase an air filtration unit that can be placed in whatever room you are in. Ideally, you should have one running in your bedroom while you sleep, to ensure the air is clean and allergen-free.
Use a Dehumidifier in Basements
If your home has a basement and you tend to spend time in it, then you’ll want to pick up a dehumidifier. What this does is remove excess moisture from the air, which can otherwise cause dampness and even lead to mildew and mold.
A Much More Comfortable Home Environment
By using these tips, you’ll be able to create a much more comfortable home environment that is mindful of your allergies.