Simple Ways to Allergy Proof Your Home - FHA Loan Search

Img

Dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen, how much of these you find in your home might surprise you. If you or somebody in your family suffers from allergies, you would like to get your house as allergen-free as possible. Whether you or someone in your home is allergic to pets, dust, mold, or pollen, it can be tricky to know where to start. Good thing, there are surefire simple ways to allergy proof your home. Making sure your house is as allergen-free as possible is actually a snap.

How to Allergy Proof Your Home

Here are some simple and quick ways to reduce dust, dander and other allergens in your home.

Stick to a Regular Effective Cleaning Schedule

Did you know that keeping dust, pollen and pet dander at bay is often a continual process? Also, stay on top of cleaning if allergies are a major concern for you.

You should wipe surfaces, such as countertops, with a damp rag instead of dry dusting, which usually just brushes dust and other allergens back into the air.

Also, the use of non-toxic cleaning solutions for scrubbing away mold is essential. You should also get rid of dust catchers such as knickknacks and other items that often clutter up your living area.

Purify the Air

You should keep in mind that air purifiers are usually available in two configurations. First, there are portable models that you can easily move from one room to another. The second configuration is whole-house air filters. These filters can be used only in houses with forced-air heating or cooling. Buy the one that is right for your needs.

Also, you must change the filter in your AC at least once a month, especially if you live in an area with plenty of pollen during the spring.

Reduce Pet Allergens

We love our pets even if they make us sneeze. When you cannot rehome your pet, you should find ways to minimize various pet allergens to keep your home allergy-proof.

The first and most important thing is to keep your pets out of your bedroom. This is because you spend at least one-third of the time there. Cover registers and vents in your bedroom with cheesecloth in order to keep these allergens from circulating through forced air cooling and heating systems.

Cover Pillows and Mattresses

To protect your sleeping area, zip on dust mite covers. You will find them easily. And if you have children in your home, make sure to get covers for their pillows and mattresses, as well.

Other Ways to Allergy Proof Your Home

Monitor Humidity Levels

Many people use humidifiers in their home to add moisture to the air, especially after the cold months.

Humidifiers can help prevent dryness. However, note that if you fail to monitor the humidity levels in your home, you could encourage mold and dust mites to live and multiply.

You should use a humidity meter to monitor the humidity. The CDC recommends keeping the humidity level below 50 percent to reduce mold and dust mites and prevent them from growing.

Wash Your Linens in Hot Water

You should launder bedding, kitchen linens and towels in hot water. Wash them once each week in water that is 130°F (at least) to kill dust mites. Also, remember this when you are shopping and choose only those fabrics that can withstand the heat.

(READ ALSO: Tips to Declutter, Clean, and Organize Your Closet)