Allergies can cause congestion, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and more. One of the best ways to reduce allergy symptoms is to take steps to avoid contact with allergens, and this can be done in your own home. One study found that 51.5% of surveyed homes had at least six detectable allergens.
Keeping your house clean is one way you can lessen allergen contact. Check out our list of tips for keeping your home clean and allergy-friendly.
Keeping Your Kitchen Allergen-Free
Some tips for reducing allergens in the kitchen include:
- Use your exhaust fan. Living next to Folly Beach can be fun, but the combination of humidity and ocean proximity lends to easy mold build-up. Running an exhaust fan can help clear moisture from the air and prevent mold build-up.
- Clean your trash can. Taking out the trash regularly will help prevent mold from accumulating in the bag, but you should also clean your trash can. Mold will likely accumulate around the lid or inside the trash can from food or moisture. Wipe it down with a cloth and cleaner whenever you take the trash out or notice a build-up of food and gunk.
- Wipe down surfaces. Mold and dust can hide in small places. Wipe down the refrigerator, cabinets, drawers, sink and stove-hood filter at least once a month.
- Check sealant. Sealant around the sink is a common place to find mold. Dry off your sink after use to prevent mold from growing, and replace the sealant if you notice it changing color or growing mold.
Keeping Your Bathroom Allergen-Free
Some tips for reducing allergens in the bathroom include:
- Run the fan. Run the fan for at least twenty minutes after you shower to help remove moisture from the room.
- Dry the tub. The fan helps remove moisture from the air, but wiping down the tub and shower curtains is still good to prevent mold build-up.
- Watch out for mold. Mold is common in bathrooms. Look for mold in shower curtains, sealant, tubs, toilets and faucets. Clean regularly and replace sealant if mold grows under it.
Keeping Your Living Areas Allergen-Free
Some tips for reducing allergens in bedrooms and living rooms include:
- Sweeping and mopping. Regularly sweeping and mopping will help prevent dust build-up. If you have a severe dust mite allergy, consider investing in a duster or automatic vacuum to help keep dust to a minimum.
- Wash rugs. Wash area rugs semi-regularly to prevent hidden allergen build-up.
- Dust. Dust or wipe down all hard surfaces at least once a week.
- Wash pillows and blankets. Clean your pillows, blankets, stuffed animals and other fabric products once a week to ward off dust or mold.
- Keep windows closed. Keeping the windows closed during pollen season and using a fan or air conditioner to cool down will help keep pollen and allergens out.
Contact Charleston ENT & Allergy today for more tips on managing and treating allergies.