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12 Ways You Can Decrease Allergy Triggers At Home

Research has shown that indoor air pollution, which is often caused by mold and dust mites, can be up to 10 times greater than outdoor pollution. Here are 12 things you can do to help decrease the volume of allergy triggers in your home. 
 
Avoid the Outdoors in the Morning
Air Pollution

Not only do many people with allergies experience more itching and sneezing in the morning, but many trees release their pollen in the air at first light, and ragweed pollen is in abundance in the air at midday – when it’ll stick to your clothes and get carried indoors. If you want to work out, do it later in the day.

Change Your Clothes and Shower When You come Indoors

Even if you don’t feel dirty, pollen sticks to your hair and clothes where it can irritate your eyes and nose, and contribute to indoor air pollution. If you don’t have time for a quick rinse, you should wash your hands to remove lingering pollen, especially before making food or touching your face.

Water Indoor Plants Sparingly

Over-watering can contribute to the growth of mold, and any water that leaks on to the floor invites mold growth as well. Put pebbles on top of the dirt to discourage mold from getting into and polluting the air.

Clean the Tray Under the Fridge with a Bleach Solution and Sprinkle with Salt
Air Pollution

The tray is a mold magnet. Adding salt helps to reduce the growth of bacteria and mold. You should also clean under the fridge occasionally as food can get trapped there and become moldy, then the mold spores are blown into the kitchen air every time the compressor kicks in.

Wash All Your Bedding in Very Hot Water Every Week

This is the best way to destroy those pesky microscopic dust mites that love your bed even more than you do. These mites contribute to the air pollution in your bed and home.

 

Give Stuffed Toys a Deep Freeze

Stuffed toys can be riddled with dust mites. Therefore, you should regularly slip stuffed toys into a freezer bag and let them chill for 3-5 hours. The cold will destroy any dust mites that could contribute to indoor air pollution.

Clean out Your Gutters and Make Sure They’re Not Clogged
Air Pollution

Clogged gutters can result in water seeping into your home, leading to mold growth, which can exacerbate allergies. So, the next time it rains, check your gutters. If you see water leaking out of end caps, flowing on the outside, or dripping behind them, it’s time to get out that ladder.

Keep Your Thermostat Set Above 65°F in the Winter

If you set it too low, then you’re encouraging the growth of mold in damp air. The heat dries out the air, preventing mold growth and pollution. Of course, too-dry air can irritate your lungs and sinuses. The perfect humidity in a home is around 50%.

Declutter the Right Way

Throw out and give away coats and other clothing that you haven’t used in the last year. Put sports equipment in the basement or garage where it belongs. Slip your shoes into hanging shoe bags. When you have finished, you should be able to see all your closets’ floors and back walls. Now give everything a good vacuum and you’ll have significantly reduced the amount of dust in your house and decreased your indoor air pollution.

Use Doormats with Synthetic Fibers
Air Pollution

Doormats that are made of natural fibers such as wicker can break down and become food for mites, fungus, and mold that then get walked into your home with every new guest. Wash all your mats weekly!

Leave Shoes by the Door

Mud isn’t the only thing that you can track into your home. Wearing your shoes inside carries mold, dust, and pollen to every room in your house. Therefore, leaving your shoes by the door helps to keep your floors clean and reduces indoor air pollution.

Keep Your Pets Clean

Just like you should take off your shoes, you should always make sure to wipe your pet’s paws when they come in from being outside. Toweling off their coat can also help to prevent the spread of pollen indoors. You could also try to give them frequent water baths to help dissolve the natural, allergy-causing substances in their sweat and skin.

Source: rd
Images: depositphotos

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