Now that “allergy season” is in full effect, we want to give you some tips and best practices for allergy-proofing your home. No one wants to deal with sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and sinus headaches when they’re supposed to be enjoying the comfort of their own home—right?
That’s why MoldXpertsNY took the time to compile a simple, straightforward list of things you can do to minimize the allergens present in your home. Whether you’re allergic to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold spores, you’ll be able to breathe easy when you follow these tips to improve your indoor air quality.
Reducing Allergens Inside Your Home
- Use HEPA filters: HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters trap airborne particles, including allergens, thus purifying your indoor air. You can purchase a stand-alone air purifier unit and run it for several hours a day, or you can install a HEPA filter in your central air system so your air gets purified every time the system turns on.
- Vacuum regularly: In addition to your floors, you should frequently vacuum mattresses, couches, and other soft, absorbent furniture that you come into contact with for hours at a time. You may even want to buy a protective cover for your mattress so dust mites can’t settle in!
- Take off your shoes: Pollen collects on everything you wear outside, so take off your shoes as soon as you come indoors. Doing this will prevent you from tracking pollen throughout the rest of your home.
- Reduce humidity: Whether it’s caused by a chronic plumbing leak, poor ventilation, or a compromised basement/foundation, be sure to address any excess moisture problems in your home. Damp conditions are a breeding ground for mold spores, so you want to maintain a humidity level between 30%-50% at all times. Using a dehumidifier will also help you achieve this.
- Ditch the carpet: If you’re planning a remodel or renovation, consider getting rid of your carpeting. Carpets are known to harbor all sorts of allergens, from dust mites to pet dander to pollen. Instead, consider hard flooring surfaces like natural wood, laminate, or tile.
- Clean your curtains: Fabric window coverings act like sponges: They ultimately absorb whatever’s floating in the air and blowing through the windows. Therefore, you should make sure you clean your curtains or drapes on a somewhat regular basis. Check the manufacturer’s label for proper care instructions.
By following all of these steps, you should see a dramatic improvement in your allergy symptoms! However, if you still feel like you’re suffering from headaches, coughing, wheezing, or other symptoms, call MoldXpertsNY right away.
We provide thorough environmental testing for homes and businesses in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and beyond, and we can help you get to the bottom of your indoor air problems.
Testimonials
Gary was very polite, knowledgeable and made suggestions as to how I could improve the environment in my house.
Gary is a total professional. He goes out of his way to accommodate your needs, patiently answers all questions and offers suggestions as to how to alleviate problems. I could not be more pleased.
Gary is very professional, knowledgeable, and honest. I’m very grateful that he came on a Sunday and for the fact that he was willing to answer any question I had about the report.
Very fast good work they are very nice people and knowledgeable. I did not feel rushed and they answered all my questions. Very accommodating to my hours I needed since I work.
Gary was very informative in explaining to us about mold, how it grows and what we needed to do to remove it. I would highly recommend him for mold testing.