Limiting exposure to allergens can help you have fewer and milder allergic reactions. However, it’s not always simple to keep away from harmful chemicals. Moreover, half of the American homes surveyed in single research included at least six different allergens. However, you are powerless in the battle against runny noses and watery eyes. There are simple things you can do to reduce allergens in your home. To help you do that, we’ve consulted experts from allergygate.com and gathered six tips. Now let’s get to work and make your home allergen-free!
What is an allergic reaction, and how to deal with it?
An allergic reaction ensues when the body’s immune system becomes overly reactive to an ordinarily harmless chemical. Your immune system mistakes it for a dangerous invader and overreacts by producing antibodies to combat it. In as little as 15-30 minutes, the antibodies can release chemicals that trigger symptoms like coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. However, you can also experience more severe reactions like difficulty breathing or chest pressure, which may necessitate medical attention when allergies flare up. In the worst cases, they can lead to anaphylaxis – the most dangerous allergic reaction.
The first step in alleviating allergy symptoms is pinpointing their source. There are plenty of medical facilities that have specialists that can identify the allergens that are causing your symptoms. Your healthcare practitioner formulates an approach to minimizing exposure and managing symptoms after conducting a thorough physical exam, reviewing your medical history, and performing in-office allergy testing.
How to reduce allergens in your home?
Even though many people suffer from pollen allergies and believe their best bet is to stay at home, it’s possible that the source inside it, such as allergens like dust mites, mildew, and pet dander, thrive in human habitations. Allowing allergens like dust, mold, and pet dander to linger in your house might leave you vulnerable to life-disrupting allergy symptoms all year round because these items aren’t always noticeable.
Limiting exposure to allergens can help you have fewer and milder allergic reactions. However, it’s not always simple to keep away from harmful chemicals. Therefore, it’s crucial to investigate the cause of your symptoms and keep your home clean if you suspect allergies. Keeping on top of spring cleaning can be difficult with all the other responsibilities of maintaining a healthy house and lifestyle. So, we’ve made some simple rules to follow to help you reduce allergens in your home
#1 Dust in an intelligent way
Dust is one of the most common allergy culprits. So to alleviate the symptoms of your allergy, you have to make sure to keep your home clean. However, in some cases, for example, moving can be more challenging to keep dust at bay. But managing dust allergies when moving doesn’t have to be difficult if you make sure to dust the right way.
Always work from the top down when cleaning to prevent re-spraying dust on already cleaned surfaces. And you can’t just use a feather duster or a cloth to wipe away the dust. Use damp microfiber cloths so that the dust will be captured rather than just being moved around. You also dusted the ceiling fans, blinds, and drapes.
#2 Don’t forget about dust mites
Contrary to a quite common belief, dust and dust mites are not the same, but dust mites allergies are as common as dust ones. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed exclusively on the dead skin cells humans produce daily. Mattresses, pillows, duvets, and curtains can all accumulate these flakes.
Dust mites’ cast skins, feces, and secretions may trigger an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to them. The best way to avoid coming into contact with dust mites while sleeping is to use plastic zipped encasements for your mattress, box spring, and pillows.
You can kill dust mites by washing bed linens in water at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit and drying them in a hot dryer. Also, decreasing the humidity in your home to below 50% will make it less hospitable to mites.
#3 Keep pet dander under control
Pet allergies can be triggered by proteins found in things like saliva, skin gland secretions, dander, and fur. Fur and dander can get stuck in upholstery, on fabrics, and even on the skin. So if you are allergic to your pet, you need to reduce pet allergens in your home.
When you give your pet a weekly bath, you cut down on the number of dead skin cells it sheds. If you want to reduce your exposure to pet dander, you should keep your pet out of your bedroom. Also, forget about cleaning your pet’s litter box or bathing it.
#4 Prevent mold growth
Mold can thrive in the bathroom due to the high moisture and humidity levels. If mold does start to grow, keeping surfaces clean and dry can stop it from spreading further.
Therefore, after taking a shower or bath, make sure the bathroom window or fan is open to let out the steam—towel off the bathroom after each usage. Remove mold from fixtures using a solution of one cup of bleach to two cups of water. To prevent mold growth in the bathroom, replace the carpet with vinyl or tile, and the wallpaper should be ditched in favor of paint or tile.
#5 Be careful when choosing houseplants
Most houseplants don’t produce the pollen that triggers seasonal allergies. In reality, some of them can help purify the air by soaking up harmful gases like VOCs. However, plants can also foster mold growth and become dust traps.
It’s possible for indoor plants to cross-react with common outdoor allergens because they may exchange proteins that can cause a sneezing fit. You’ll need to try several things to find out what works if you’re keen to bring some greenery.
#6 Keep pollen outside of your home
On days with high pollen counts or windy days, when pollen can be carried through the air, staying indoors is the best way to reduce your exposure to pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses. However, you should also take steps to keep your house free of pollen.
After being outside, take off your shoes and change into clean clothes to reduce the amount of pollen you carry indoors. It’s a good idea to take a bath or shower before night to wash away any pollen that may have accumulated on your hair or skin. When pollen counts are highest, keep doors and windows shut.
Final thoughts
We hope our article helped you learn how to reduce allergens in your home. Even though you won’t get rid of your allergies fully, you’ll at least be able to manage its symptoms and make everyday life much easier for yourself.