5 DIY Tips for an Allergy-Free Home
You may be surprised to know that air pollution levels indoors are frequently higher than outdoors. Homes are commonly contaminated allergens such as pollen, dust-mites, mold and animal dander. Allergens in the home cause a variety of allergic reactions. Runny nose and sneezing are common to most allergens. There is prescribed medication for curing this problem, but it dries your throat and can have other side effects. Thus, natural allergy relief is best.
Also, how about making your home allergy free? Adopt these five DIY strategies of natural remedies so you can breathe easy:
1. Make smart decorating choices: Reduce allergen absorbing surfaces by avoiding carpets, curtains, tablecloths and fabric-upholstered furniture. On windows, use wooden or metal blinds. Opt for hard surface flooring such as hardwood, stone or tile. Use leather and vinyl for covering soft furnishings. Keep your home free of clutter. Books, papers, stuffed toys and knick-knacks are dust traps.
2. Keep your house spotlessly clean: Mop floors every day. Vacuum your house twice a week. Use HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) vacuum cleaners with allergy proof bags that will safely contain all the allergens that are sucked in. Wipe down surfaces with a mild bleach solution to prevent mold. Wash bedding in hot water every two weeks to get rid of dust mites. Use a steam cleaner to disinfect surfaces in your home without the use of toxic chemicals.
3. Control the quality of indoor air: Use a HEPA air purifier to filter out dust, pollen, dander and other airborne particles. Use a dehumidifier to control the humidity levels in your home and prevent the growth of dust mites and mold. During pollen season, keep doors and windows closed and avoid the use of fans which circulate dust and pollen. Instead, use an air-conditioner with a HEPA filter for cooling the house.
4. Reduce vegetation in and around your house: Yet other natural remedies include avoiding placement of flowers and potted plants inside your home. Flowers are a source of pollen while mold often grows in the soil of potted plants. If you have a yard or a garden, mow grass before it produces seed heads and pollen and remove weeds before they have a chance to pollinate.
5. Think carefully before keeping a pet: Pet dander is pervasive so do not keep pets if you’re allergic to dander. If you already have a pet, make sure that it is frequently brushed outside the home. You can also consider going for hypo-allergenic breeds that are considered safer for people with allergies.
The bottom line is natural allergy relief begins at home, by taking certain precautions.
