Allergies: They’re nothing to sneeze at. Itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose and sneezing can really put a damper on the spring and summer. You want your home to be a place of comfort and relaxation, not one that makes you sneeze. Here’s how to keep allergens at bay in your home:
Think horizontal. Clean floors can help alleviate allergy symptoms. That’s because allergens can travel on our socks and shoes. Frequent vacuuming and mopping is critical to helping you breathe a little better. Also, consider instituting a “no shoes” policy to prevent guests from tracking in dirt and allergens.
Embrace hardwood. Although affordable, carpet is notorious for trapping dirt, dust and other particles. Even if you vacuum regularly, carpet can still aggravate your allergies. Hardwood, laminate and other types of hard flooring that can be mopped, on the other hand, are easier to keep clean. You might consider it for high-traffic areas like the kitchen and entryway.
Invest in an air cleaner. An in-home air purification system can be a godsend for allergy sufferers. These systems can control the amount of dust and pollen in the air, so you can breathe easier. Don’t have one? Change your air conditioning filters frequently. A portable air purification unit is another great option because it’s affordable and you can move it around the house to where it is needed most.
Up your bedding game. You spend about a third of your life in bed, so you better make sure your bedroom’s conditions aren’t making you sneezy! The good news is that hypoallergenic mattress and pillow covers can help with allergies. Launder bedding regularly to keep allergens at bay.
Wash clothes and hair. After time outdoors, your hair and clothes could be covered in pollen. When you’re done outdoors, consider rinsing off and changing clothes.