The allergy season is upon us once again and we are using tissues like there’s no tomorrow! Whether you or someone living in your household suffer from allergies such as dust, pollen, pets, mould or other - it’s not all bad news. There are ways to reduce allergens in your home to make it a more comfortable place for everyone. We have compiled a list of our top 5 tips to keep your home (almost) allergy-free.
1. Stop allergens getting inside
Airing out your home is important to reduce the risk of mould and stop humidity (which is the ideal climate for dust mites). Try to open windows for at least 1 hour per day, apart from during peak pollen seasons or when it’s raining outside. When arriving home after being outside, remove your outdoor clothes as soon as you enter the house and change into a more comfortable outfit – this way you won’t increase the risk of pollen particles inside your home.
2. Choose a vacuum with a HEPA filter
Vacuuming regularly is another way to remove allergens from your home, and not only from the floor. Be sure to vacuum upholstery too (sofas and mattresses especially!) Investing in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter means even the tiniest particles will get trapped and won’t be released back into the air when cleaning.
3. Dust your home regularly
Dust and mould allergens are some of the most common to be found around the home. When cleaning, use a damp microfibre cloth with detergent to properly remove dust, rather than simply moving it around with a feather duster. This will also stop you from getting allergic reactions when cleaning.
4. Keep your bedding free of dust mites
Make sure you change your bedsheets every 1-2 weeks to avoid a build-up of dust mites. We recommend washing bedsheets a higher temperature than you would wash clothes, at around 40-60º. Try not to put too many throws and decorative cushions on your bed, as these often get washed less regularly or need dry cleaning. Turn your mattress over every 6 months to keep it fresh.
5. Purify your home with air conditioning
If you suffer from pollen allergies, use the air conditioning rather than opening windows during peak pollen seasons, this will filter out the pollen before it can enter inside your home. Make sure you clean the filter on your air conditioning every 3 months to remove the build up of dust particles.
