How to Allergy Proof Your Home

Spring is coming and with it comes allergy season. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, this time of year can be miserable. An important component to treating your allergies is decreasing the amount of allergens you are exposed to. Often, the more you are exposed, the more you will react. Unfortunately, it is difficult to control the environment outside, but your home is your domain. Allergens lurk in your home in the form of dust mites, pollens, mold, pet dander, smoke, and chemicals. If these are present in your home they can leave you with allergy symptoms all year round.  There are many ways to allergy proof your home, making it a safe space for you and your loved ones. 

Decreasing allergies starts with using the right tools and using them frequently. HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are made out of a very fine mesh and are capable of filtering even very tiny particles out of the air. These can be every effective at clearing allergens out of the air in your home. Purchasing a HEPA air filter and a vacuum with a HEPA filters are great ways decrease allergens circulating in the air. 

Some people also suffer from Mast call Activation Disorder (MCAS), a condition in which they tend to have high levels of histamine in their body year round. For these people, Spring can lead to several mores systemic symptoms that may or may not be typically associated with allergies (hives, palpitations, anxiety etc…). If you have MCAS, it is even more important that you are managing your home environment in order to reduce mast cell activation.

Keeping up on household cleaning is important. Your weekly cleaning should include the following:

·       Vacuum your carpet and fabric furniture. Either wash or vacuum rugs.

·       Wash your bedding in hot water and dry in dryer. Consider washing your pillow cases twice weekly.

·       Dust surfaces in your home such as knick knacks and furniture with a damp cloth. Consider vacuuming the tops on books on shelves to remove collected dust without damaging them

Monthly cleaning should include:

·       Check for mold growth in damp areas such as the bathroom. You can use 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, or straight vinegar to clean mold off of surfaces. 

·       Use an attachment on your vaccume to vacuum your mattress. This will help remove dust mites. 

·       Wash shower curtains. You can even was vinyl or plastic shower curtains liners in the washing machine with bleach or detergent and hot water. 

Other considerations:

·       Consider switching to natural cleaning products if you haven’t already. Conventional cleaners contain chemicals and fragrances that can worsen asthma and allergy symptoms. Avoid fragrances in the home such as air fresheners. These can also contain a large amount of irritating chemicals. 

·       Consider purchasing dust mite covers for pillows and mattress. These will help keep the mites and their feces, which is what causes allergies, away from you while you sleep. 

·       While it can be expensive, if you suffer considerable from asthma or allergies it may be worth it to remove carpet in your home and install hard wood floors. Many allergens can collect in carpet and they are difficult to remove.

·       Do not allow pets on the bed or in the bedroom. Our furry little friends are sadly often a cause of allergies and can carry allergens on their fur and paws. 

·       Change your furnace air filter regularly

·       Keep windows closed, especially in the spring. 

·       Decrease clutter that can accumulate dust.

·       Use the fan in the bathroom while showering

·       Keep cigarette smoke outside

If you continue to suffer from allergies, or if your allergies are severe, consider making an appointment to discussed natural treatment options for allergies.

Lela Altman, N.D., L.Ac.