10 steps to reduce common household allergy symptoms from sources such as dust, pet dander, mold and mildew.
With all the renovations we have been doing to our new home, there has been a lot of sneezing and coughing from the extra dust being created. My husband suffers from seasonal and dust allergies, so we decided to be proactive when designing and creating our home plans.
While he regularly takes Claritin® Liqui-Gels® Capsules 24-Hour for his allergy symptoms, we wanted to try to reduce the amount of common household allergens altogether by including a Filtrete™ Brand by 3M Room Air Purifier and replacing HVAC filters with Filtrete ™ Brand Air Filters. Buy now at Walmart and for a limited time you can save with this Ibotta offer.
If I’m being honest, it’s just not enjoyable to watch TV with him while he’s coughing! So for all of our sanity (and obviously his relief), we took these steps below to reduce common allergens.
10 Steps to Reduce Common Household Allergy Symptoms
Replace HVAC Filters
The home we purchased was not lived in on a regular basis for quite some time. One of the first things we did was to change out the HVAC Air Filters with the Filtrete™ Brand since that is what we know and trust. The HVAC Filters help capture small particles that others can’t; as a result, we all sleep better.
Use an Air Purifier
Air Purifiers can be extremely beneficial to place in common areas of the home. Because we were doing so much work out in the kitchen area, we moved our Filtrete™ Brand by 3M Room Air Purifier out there. This purifier provides 110 square feet of coverage while reducing 99.7% of airborne particles within the HEPA-Type allergen filter. This has made a world of difference in my husband’s dust allergy attacks.
Take Allergy Medication
One of my Favorites listed in the Walmart Online Grocery app is Claritin® Liqui-Gels® Capsules 24-Hour. It’s a staple in our home and provides so much seasonal and year-round itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing relief caused by indoor and outdoor allergens like pollen, pets, dust and mold. He can take it before work and not have to worry about drowsiness.
Change Bedding Frequently
As gross as it sounds, dust mites can live in your bedding and mattresses. Frequently wash bedding and pillowcases at least every three weeks. You can also cover your mattress with an allergy- and dust mite- free protector.
Remove Carpeting
A large source of trapped dust mites is found in carpeting. Consider replacing all carpeting with hardwood, laminate or vinyl flooring. Dust and dirt will show more, but help you realize when it’s time to vacuum and mop.
Clean Regularly
Curb allergy symptoms by cleaning regularly. Create a cleaning schedule to alleviate some of the pressure.
When cleaning be sure to dust/vacuum from the top down.
Leave Shoes Outside or in a Mudroom
Wearing shoes inside the home can bring in a common household allergen – pollen. Try removing shoes before you enter into the home or create a separate mudroom space for the family to leave their shoes and other belongings.
Wash Away Pet Dander
Another common household allergen is dander found on your adorable furry friends. Pets can be washed once a week to help reduce the allergen.
Remove Mold/Mildew Sources
Mold isn’t just found in old walls. It can creep up in our showers and through frequent use of humidifiers, especially in the winter.
Run your bathroom exhaust fan while showering, remove old wallpaper and paint with a mold-resistant paint. Clean or replace shower curtains regularly and keep them closed to allow them to dry completely after each shower.
Consider Pest Control Treatments
One common problem with a home that hasn’t been lived in is unwanted pests. Ants, cockroaches and spiders set up shop like they belong there. Schedule regular pest prevention treatments to help eliminate unwanted pests and another common allergen found in cockroach droppings.
Also make sure any food is stored in air-tight containers to help eliminate pests.
Tip: Set automatic reminders to help you remember when to replace filters, wash bedding, etc.
