Indoor allergens come in many different forms. Plants, dust, mites, mold, mildew, and even pet dander can make breathing difficult and potentially cause serious illnesses. There are several things you can do to drastically reduce airborne allergens in the air at home. This can keep you healthier, allow you to breathe easier, and provide you with a more enjoyable atmosphere.
Use the Right Air Filter in Your HVAC System
First things first, one of the best things you can do to reduce allergens in your home is to check your HVAC air filter for quality. There are numerous types of filters, and while some can catch large particles and debris, they cannot filter out the tiniest of allergens, including things like mold spores and even dust mites. Take a look at the manufacturer’s recommendations for filters, write down the size, and then go shopping. Ideally, you will want to purchase a filter that can filter out up to 99% of the contaminants in the air. By installing this filter, you will notice the difference in days.
Install a Dehumidifier
Most of the allergens in your home that will cause symptoms are very, very tiny. They float through the air you breathe, and as you inhale them, they can cause itchy eyes, a stuffy nose, hives, and more. Fortunately, living allergens like mold spores and dust mites have a hard time thriving and moving in dry air. Dry air is also less dense than humid air, which means particles like dander will not float as freely, either. Installing a dehumidifier and keeping the relative humidity in your home under 64% will not necessarily remove the allergens, but it will keep them from moving around as easily.
Use a Vacuum with Quality Filtration
Indoor allergens tend to settle on carpets and floors, and one of the best ways to deal with this is with a vacuum. However, it’s important to think about the quality of your vacuum and its ability to pick up small particles and keep them from escaping. If you choose a bagless vacuum, make sure you pick one fitted with a few different filters, including a HEPA filter. If you choose a bagged vacuum, ensure that the bags are high-quality and prevent particles like dust from escaping.
Reduce Exposure to Moisture
Mold and mildew are some of the worst and most dangerous allergens of them all. They can have a serious effect on your breathing, especially if you have a medical condition, and certain types of mold can lead to serious or even life-threatening illness. The best way to prevent mold in the first place is to reduce your home’s overall exposure to moisture. When you cook, make sure you’re using the range hood to move steam outdoors, and when you shower, turn on the exhaust fan. It’s also a good idea to towel the inside of the shower dry and check the floor for any puddles that may have been created. Reducing this moisture right away will prevent the development of mold.
Indoor allergens can be annoying to say the least, but for some individuals who have medical conditions like asthma, they can be downright dangerous. These are some of the best overall tips and tricks for removing indoor allergens from your home, so get started today and find out just how much of a difference it can truly make.
