Ways To Allergy Proof Your Home!

Did you know that air inside of our homes can be two to five times as polluted as the air outside – which is bad news particularly for those of us who suffer from allergies. With allergens such as dust mites, mold and pet dander floating around, it becomes vital for your health (and sanity) that you detox your home. The words climate change may not mean alot for many but for those with allergies it means a rise in carbon dioxide levels which creates an environment that is more hospitable to the growth of allergens, which are guaranteed to torment many into a sneeze and wheeze ridden existence.

#1. Banish the mold from the bathroom.
It is recommended that you install a ventilation fan and run it as you shower or bathe to eliminate any mold friendly moisture from forming. At the very least ensure you leave the bathroom door ajar or a window open, and as mold thrives in damp corners, make sure to wipe around the sink, bath tub and toilet.

#2. Say goodbye to air fresheners.
Many air fresheners emit volatile organic compounds (VOCS) which can exacerbate respiratory problems. VOCS are not just irritants to the lungs but have also been shown to cause headaches in susceptible inviduals.

#3. Cover up.
Put dust mite proof covers, ideally microfibre ones ontop of mattresses, box springs, duvets and pillows. They should stop the irritating little critters from penetrating the bedding and make sure to wash your sheets at least once a week in hot water (around 130 degrees) and dry them off also at a high temperature.

#4. Declare a pet-free zone.
Many studies have proven that allergy sufferers who banished pets from inside the home were less likely to develop ongoing allergy issues. In particular those who banned cats from the home were much less likely to experience ongoing issues as pet dander is one of the major triggers for allergy suffering in the home.

#5.Eliminate fumes.
Make sure you have an exhaust fan over the stove with vents that lead outside, getting rid of irritating cooking fumes and a reduction in moisture in the kitchen as you cook. Not only do cooking fumes trigger allergies, but fumes from gas stoves may increase the cancer risk. These fumes have been found to contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS), heterocyclic amines, higher and mutated aldehydes and fine and ultra-fine particles. An exhaust fan will certainly reduce your risk.

#6. Invest in a HEPA filter Vacuum.
Carpet needs a vacuum and none more so when eliminating allergens. Find one that features a HEPA filter and a certification mark from Asthma and Allergy foundations. This filter will not only remove a significant amount of allergens but will also prevent them from leaking back out into the clean air.

#7. Mold, mold and more mold.
From fixing leaks under kitchen sink taps, to the fishbowl, to overwatering your indoor plants, a major trigger of allergy and discomfort is the presence of mold in the home. Because it’s potentially in areas that are not seen by the eye, the upkeep of your home is a must-do! Fix leaking taps, ensure ventilation, clean out nemo and friends regularly and keep your respiratory system clean.

#8. Place the printer away from your desk.
Who would have thought, but studies have shown that laser printers emit VOCS and particles that are associated with asthma and can potentially prove harmful to the lungs. Keep your printer in a well-ventilated area that is at least 10 feet away from your desk.

#9. Go green to get clean.
Eliminating allergens means a healthy scrubbing. However some household cleansers can make allergy symptoms worse. Many cleansers have quaternary ammonium compounds and or bleach which are proven asthmagens. A study of more than 3,500 people found that those who used spray cleaners at least once a week had a 30 to 50% increased risk of asthma!

#10. Just what are the major allergy triggers?
Dust Mites: Over 25% of us are allergic to dust mites. They munch away on skin particles and dander, so they are present wherever there are people and pets. You are not actually allergic to the mites themselves but rather to the protein they excrete, the dust mites waste can hang around on pillows and duvets without bothering you, but as soon as you fluff a pillow or shake a duvet they fly into the air and into action, triggering symptoms and allergic reactions.

Household Pets: Cat allergy is the most common form of pet allergy, however at least 15% of us are allergic to both cats and dogs. And interestingly enough we are not allergic to their fur but rather it is their dander, saliva and pee that has us sneezing and wheezing.

Mold: You may have heard of toxic black mold, however there are many kinds of indoor mold than can trigger allergies. Whilst it tends to grow in dark, damp spots, this allergen can appear anywhere that water has leaked. Presenting itself either as a black, brown or even green marking with a musty odour, it is vital to get rid of the mold by scrubbing with a solution of ½ cup bleach and 1 gallon of water.

Why not discover our allergy fighting range of Homedics Air Purifiers and Air Humdifiers with HEPA filters to reduce your allergy symptoms stat!