5 Ways to Improve Allergies at Home

I personally don’t suffer from allergies (mainly just dust!), but a lot of people in my life do. If you have severe allergies, it can really drain your energy and lower your immune system, leading to colds, flu and other illnesses, which can increase visits to the doctors, medications, over the counter aids and expensive solutions.

The best advice is to hit allergies at their source. One hotspot is your home. Carpets/rugs, bedding, blinds/draperies, even your air ducts could be making you sick! The very place you call your own, should be a place to relax, not make you sick! It doesn’t have to be expensive, but your health is important and setting some anti-allergy solutions in place NOW goes a long way in keeping you and your family healthy.

Five Ways to Allergy-Proof Your Home:

1. Clean your air ducts replace filters

If you have a forced-air system, this often can be a nightmare for people with allergies. All kinds of debris (pet hair, dust) can be trapped in your ducts, releasing all kinds of things into the air.

First off, make sure to replace your furnace filter at least every three months, more if necessary. I’ve been told by several HVAC techs that the cheaper, generic filters work just as well, and won’t cause your motor to overwork (increasing your heating/air bills) like the more expensive filters might. But, if you have severe allergies, it might be worth it to buy filters that will catch microscopic debris that could make you sick. It’s your call. You can buy filters online (in packs) to save money. Use your coupons!

Air-duct cleaning: It can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 for this service but can really make a difference in your air quality. Make sure you find a company that is NADCA certified. Ask around for recommendations or visit a website such as Angie’s List that offers detailed reviews (from real consumers) on all kinds of services. It’s a great website that I highly recommend!

2. Use air purifiers

Air purifiers (installed on your furnace = pricey, or mobile units throughout your home) are a great way to clean the air and cut down on allergens. Allergy sufferers often are faced with allergens at school, the workplace, outside (pollen, grass, and mold). But your home should be a safe haven where those with allergies can relax and be as symptom-free as possible.

3. Install solid surface floors and remove shoes at the door

If you can afford it, install wood or tile in your home instead of carpet. Carpet collects lots of dust, mites, pet hair and when you walk on it, those allergens often end up in the air. Wood or tile can be cleaned more easily and make life a lot more enjoyable for allergy sufferers. If your home is covered in carpet, start with one room at time, and/or make sure to get your rugs/carpet cleaned by a professional regularly. Also, make a habit of removing your shoes at the door. Either leave them in your garage or create a cubby space, bench or basket near your entryway to remind family and guests to remove shoes. Not only will it keep your floors cleaner, it lowers the chances that any grass, pollen or other allergens will enter your home.

Same goes for clothing — if you (or a family member) have severe allergies, it’s recommended to remove your coats or outer clothing before entering the home to lower the amount of allergens circulating in your house. This is especially true during the spring (pollen from flowers blooming), summer (grass-cutting season) and fall months (mold, etc.).

4. Bedding

Bedding is especially important as most people spend six to eight-plus hours in their beds in close contact with fabric that collects dust, pet hair and can really make someone sick. I first would suggest getting rid of the piles of “decorative” pillows on your bed. Transferring them from the floor to your bed and back again is not recommended for those with allergies. Instead, make sure to cover your sleeping-pillows with special anti-allergy zippered covers. The same should be done for your mattress. Then, top them with stylish pillow case covers for two to four of your regular-sized pillows (that you sleep with) that will remain on the bed at all times. Get a matching duvet cover (remove easily and often for washing) that will keep your comforter clean and voila – stylish, allergy-friendly bedding.

Allergybegone.com is a good site to try. Even Bed, Bath Beyond has some allergy-friendly bedding, from pillows to duvets. Don’t forget your 20 percent off coupon!

5. Chemicals, Candles Cleaning Supplies

Take a minute to think about all of the products you bring into your home. Soaps, lotions, paint, cleaning supplies, even candles!

These products could be making your family sick and they are items you are using on an everyday basis. All of these potentially could cause an allergy reaction or trigger an asthma attack in certain people in your home. Even those without allergies potentially could develop allergies to certain products you use over and over.

Cleaning Supplies

Pay close attention to the laundry detergents, dishwashing soaps and bleach you use in your home. Stick to natural cleaning supplies (or make your own!) and ask your doctor/allergist for recommendations of which products are best to use.

Scented Candles and Sprays

Limit (or remove) the scented candles and/or sprays you use around your home. A potpourri candle might smell wonderful to some, but could cause severe allergic reactions in others. Use unscented soy-candles instead or the flameless candles (which are a big hit around our house). These are safer, too, if you have children, pets or are having a party and don’t want to worry about a fire hazard.

Sprays, such as Febreeze or even Glade Plug-ins might make your house smell fresher, but it’s probably better to just open a window, turn on a ceiling fan to get air circulating and use more natural methods to clean or deodorize the air.

Soaps and Lotions

Bubble bath, hand soaps, even lotions often are filled with chemicals that can cause rashes, eczema and other irritating or painful reactions. Name brand doesn’t always mean “safe” for everyone! Pay attention to what ingredients are in the products you purchase. You may be surprised by what you find. Even gluten can be found in some bar soaps and cleaners. Be on the lookout, as no one will care as much about your health (and the health of your family) as you.

Paints and Fireplaces

Paint fumes, for some, can be highly toxic. I have two friends who developed hives after having their homes painted. They had no previous issues with paint – so this just goes to show that we can develop allergies over time. Traditional paints often contain chemicals – benzene and formaldehyde are two. Choosing paints with low volatile organic compounds are a better choice. Benjamin Moore and Mythic Paint are just two of the many companies out there that offer healthier paint alternatives.

Wood-burning fireplaces can emit fine particles and toxic chemicals into the air that could pose a serious health hazard to those with asthma. Have a gas fireplace installed instead or use flameless candles (on pillars) to mimic the warm, cozy glow a fire provides.

There are lots of eco-friendly, nontoxic paints and cleaning supplies out there. Do some homework and/or ask your doctor for tips and recommendations – your family will be healthier for it!