May 13th, 2021 | Updated on June 27th, 2022
When you are in your home, it may feel so nice and comfortable, especially during the winter months. If you have allergies, however, there may be indoor allergens lurking that are exacerbating your symptoms.
Believe it or not, stagnant indoor air and heating systems can contribute to an increase in the number of dust mites, mold, and animal dander in your home.
Although the outside air may be a little chilly in the winter and early spring, to open your windows, it is still critical that you have high-quality air in your home.
Efforts should be made to improve the quality of indoor air. Asthma and other allergy symptoms will be reduced as a result.
Simultaneously, you will be able to breathe comfortably during the colder months. While it is unlikely that you will be able to get rid of all allergens, you can lower the quantity and exposure to them simply by making some changes.
Here are some tips for improving the air quality in your home.
Keep Your Home Spotless
When you keep your home clean, you can significantly reduce pet dander and dust. You should prioritize reducing the accumulation of pet dander, dust, and mold in your home. Here are a few things to keep in mind while cleaning:
-For at least two times a week, you should use a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner to clean area rugs and the entire carpet. To help reduce allergens in the home, consider replacing carpet with hardwood flooring.
-All bedding, curtains, and other household items should be cleaned on a regular basis, especially since they tend to attract allergens. They should be washed in 130° F water. Consider purchasing allergen-proof pillow covers, box springs, and mattresses.
-Cleaning up messiness is critical because it attracts and holds dust, which contributes to an allergic reaction.
-When mopping your floor, avoid using cleaners and soaps. Instead, use plain water. This will remove any dust or allergens that have accumulated. Consider using microfiber mops, which are more effective at capturing dust and dirt.
-Place a large floor mat in front of each door. This will help ensure that guests or family members do not bring chemicals into your home, such as pesticides and dirt.
Greenery Should be Stored Outside
Indoor plants are attractive, but they are also known to lure and promote mold growth. As a result, they should be avoided in your home at all costs.
Although plants are promoted for their ability to enhance indoor air quality, by releasing oxygen, they can also be allergy triggers. In fact, in some cases, they can do more harm than good.
Change Filters Regularly
A heating system, such as a forced-air one, should be changed on a regular basis. This is because airborne irritants are easily trapped by electrostatic filters.
Also, consider cleaning your ducts to remove any accumulated dust. This isn’t always a good idea, but it can help in some situations.
Purchase an Air Purifier
If you are unable to control the sources of your allergic reaction, consider purchasing an air purifier. They will aid in the removal of allergens that cause your symptoms.
Place them in the most frequently used rooms. You won’t be able to completely eliminate these allergens, but you can reduce your exposure to them. This can help improve symptoms.
Consider using a dehumidifier in moist areas of the home, including your basement. This will aid in the prevention of mold growth.
Make sure your bathrooms are properly ventilated. Also, any visible old mold should be scrubbed away, especially, since it can accumulate on the shower walls as well as fixtures.
Allow Fresh Air to Enter
Even during the winter months, leave windows open periodically. This will allow fresh air into your home. Additionally, use fans in the kitchen to get rid of contaminants, such as fumes from cooking. This will help reduce your chances of having an asthma attack or experiencing allergy symptoms.
Don’t Allow Smoking
Over 4,000 harmful chemicals are found in cigarette smoking. Secondhand smoke can contribute to non-allergic issues as well as respiratory infections, asthma, breathing problems, and other allergy symptoms.
Consider Using Natural Fragrances
Air fresheners with artificial fragrances emit a slew of chemicals into the environment. Unfortunately, the names of these chemicals are not always printed on product labels. Chemicals are emitted not only by air fresheners, but also by fabric softeners, laundry detergents, and dryer sheets.
The majority of fragrances have not been thoroughly tested to determine whether they are harmful to human health. The only test that has been performed has been for skin irritation.
Phthalates are commonly found in fragrances and are thought to be an allergy trigger. They have also been shown to be detrimental to animal hormones.
As a result, it is extremely concerning for those who suffer from allergies. Here are some ideas for incorporating natural fragrances into your home:
-Search for laundry detergents that are naturally scented or fragrance-free.
-Use gentle cleaners that do not contain artificial fragrances.
-If at all possible, avoid utilizing aerosol sprays.
-Combine baking soda and sliced lemons to create a fresh scent in your home.
-An Aloe Vera or fern plant are known as natural air purifiers. This is due to the fact that their roots and foliage work together to absorb pollutants emitted by man-made materials.
Control Humidity
Mold and mildew thrive in humid and moist environments, causing respiratory issues, such as allergies. Depending on where you live, a hot climate can be particularly humid. The amount of moisture, on the other hand, can be reduced with a dehumidifier.
Make Use of Cooking Vents
The kitchen is a major source of indoor air pollution. Gas stoves emit toxic substances such as carbon monoxide. Even low-level electric burners emit the same pollutants and other particles. Unfortunately, these contaminants enter the bloodstream quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to use kitchen vents.
Final Thoughts
The above mentioned tips will be useful in helping to improve air quality in your home. You can receive additional medical advice by visiting allergists in New Jersey.
