How To Make Your Home Allergen Proof
Simple Tips You Can Do Yourself to Allergy Proof Your Home

Allergy season is here. Trees are beginning to bloom. Grass is growing. Pollen season is setting in. With all this, our allergies will begin setting in fully. But, all is not lost. There are many things one can do around the house to help alleviate these problems.

An allergy sufferer myself, I know the pains one goes through each year when allergy season sets in. Nice weather comes, and we are faced with the temptation of sitting with the windows open to enjoy the fresh air. Don't fall victim to this temptation. You may end up regretting it later. Instead, install ceiling fans to help with fresh air circulation. When the temperatures outdoor start to soar, it will be time to get that airconditioner on. This in mind, it also means it is time to get those ducts cleaned again. The air filter itself is enough proof at how much dirt, dust, and allergens are hanging in their midst. In addition to getting those ducts cleaned, don't forget to get those airfilters replaced. Although more expensive than a traditional air filter, allergen stopping ones are well worth their investment. These filters should be replaced atleast every 3 months for best allergen protection. I like to mark my calendar to keep up this. Don't forget those vents as well. I like to remove those covers twice a year and give them a good washing with soap and water. There are also filters made for the vents. I change these with each cleaning. I do this each spring and fall.

What else can you do you may ask? For starters, clean your ceiling fan regularly. Added dust on those blades is only circulated through the air with use. And, if you have dust allergies like me, we don't need to contribute to the problem. In addition to the ceiling fan, be sure to dust each room regularly. Cutting down on the available dust will decrease the amount likely to get in the air. Dusters like the swiffer duster and others that "magnetically" pick up dust are helpful tools. To cut down on dust and other allergens in the air, hepa filters are the best fix. Don't forget those those vacuums. There are many styles and brands available which actually contain a built in hepa filter to help cut down on that dust and alergens in the air. Traditional vacuums blow dust through those paper bags, or worse yet, bagless vacuums tend to release clouds of dust into the air when you empty it. The filters tend to clog quickly and then the dirt is simply recirculated.

Another alternative to hepa filters is the ionic breeze. These units work remarkably well. They do not require any expensive filters to replace. They work by charging the particles in the air and drawing them towards a charged plate within. These particles can then merely be washed away and the plate is ready to be used once again. There are also smaller versions of the ionic breeze that can be used in small rooms like the bathroom. What else is nice about these? They are super quiet to operate. They also use very little electricity. So, you can have a fresh room with very little upkeep and virtually no cost despite your initial investment.

Now that we have covered the air ducts, and allergens in the air, it is time to remember those that we don't often think about.....those in the bedroom. First and foremost, if you have pets, keep them out of the bedroom. We are often sensitive to the dander from our pets without realizing it. Cats often like to sleep on our pillows and bedding. What is worse than having what causes reactions all over your pillow you have next to your face for multiple hours of the day. There are also things like dust mites which find their way into your pillows and bedding as well. But, there are things that you can do to help. First, wash your bedding often. This alone will cut down down on vast amounts of allergens present on the surface. Also, there are allergen-free pillow cases which zip around your pillow. You can then place them inside a standard pillow case. These liners cut down allergens immensely. Next, there are allergen comforters and duvets. A duvet is simply a pillowcase for your comforter. Using these will cut down on allergens in your blankets. Next, purchase an allergen mattress cover for your bed. Pillows and blankets can be washed regularly, but your mattress cannot. Did you know that by the time you trade that mattress in for a new one it will weigh more than double it did when it was new. Sounds unbelievable? It's true. This is because with use, dust, allergens, and dead skin cells accumulate and settle deep within the mattress. Now, no one expects you to change your mattress regularly. But, something as simple as a mattress cover can make a world of a difference. There are different types available. Some merely cover the top of the mattress and will help. But, the better ones actually encase the mattress and hold all the allergens internally. The decision is yours. So remember, with these tips, you can enjoy an allergy friendly home. Enjoy!