3 Useful Tips to Reduce Home Allergies

Do you or someone you know suffer from allergies? Here are some tips to reduce allergies in the home!

Change your air filters        

A filter company urging you to change your filters to help reduce allergies? Shocking! It turns out, replacing your air filter can do a lot to help reduce household allergies. Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Lung Association (ALA) recommend air filtration for those suffering from allergies. However, not just any filter will do, you have to use a quality air filter. A MERV 8 will give you protection against airborne particles such as pollen, pet dander, and dust. MERV ratings higher than 8 will protect you against even more airborne particles such as viruses, bacteria, and mold spores. Read our blog for more on MERV Ratings and which is recommended for homeowners.

Bonus tip: Air filters should be replaced every 3 months. To prevent being without a replacement when your current filter is past its prime, always have replacements on hand so you don’t miss a beat.

Dust and vacuum

Dusting should come first, and then vacuuming. When dusting, some of it will be carried off the surface you’re dusting and will settle on the floor. For this reason you should vacuum after you dust so it will suck up any dust left behind. When vacuuming, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arrest) filter is preferable as they trap the fine particles (such as dust mites and pollen) that can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. You can search for HEPA filters by brand here.

Bonus tip: You’ll also want to vacuum under your bed along with vacuuming the couches and chairs as well.

Wash your bedding and blankets regularly

You spend up to 8 hours in your bedding a night, and dust will settle on your bedding just like it settles on anything else. Washing them and your blankets regularly will stop the accumulation of dust and help prevent you from sleeping with unwanted allergens at night.

Bonus tip: It is generally advised to clean your bed sheets every other week, but weekly if you sweat at night. (Reference: goodhousekeeping)

These are just 3 ways you can help reduce allergens in your home. Have ideas to reduce allergens that you want to share? Share them in the comments below!