Allergies occur when your body overreacts to the substances it comes into contact with, such as dust or pollen. Many allergens are found outdoors, making spending time outside difficult during allergy seasons. However, allergens can also be found indoors. Thorough cleaning can help reduce indoor allergies.
Step 1
Regularly wash sheets and other cloth-based items such as stuffed animals to prevent dust buildup within the fabric. Follow the directions carefully for washing more delicate items. Use a laundry detergent with no scent to further prevent irritations due to dyes or perfumes.
Step 2
Close windows in your home and use an air conditioning unit to cool your house instead. Open windows allow allergens like ragweed and pollen to enter your home. Regularly change the filter on your air conditioner.
Step 3
Lower the humidity in your home by using a dehumidifier. Keeping your home at a low humidity makes it inhospitable for dust mites, a common allergen. The mites will die as humidity drops, states the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Step 4
Vacuum your carpets and furniture with a vacuum that features a high-efficiency particulate air filter or HEPA, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Vacuuming removes allergens from the surfaces of your home, while the HEPA filter prevents these allergens from being reintroduced to the air as the vacuum runs.
Step 5
Install hardwood or tile floors to replace carpets. Carpet traps and locks dust and other allergens in its fibers while hardwoods and tile keep allergens on the surface to be easily removed.
Step 6
Keep pets outdoors or bathe them on a weekly basis to remove pet dander with products specifically made for them, recommends The Humane Society of The United States. Consider setting a room aside in the house that is animal-free to further reduce problems with allergies.
Things You'll Need
- Unscented laundry detergent
- Vacuum with HEPA filter
- Pet shampoo
- Dehumidifier
