4 Tips To Make Your Home Allergy-Friendly

Spring is finally here, and that means it’s time for your yearly spring cleaning. Spring also, unfortunately, means allergy season for millions across the country. Springtime comes with increased allergen levels, and if you’re not careful, your home can become an allergen trap that causes plenty of red eyes, runny noses, and sore throats. Home insurance may protect your belongings from harm, but it won’t protect your sinuses. When you’re cleaning your home this spring, use these tips to keep your home friendly for the allergy-sufferers in your life.

Pay Attention To Pet Dander

If you’ve got pets in your home, it’s likely that your friends and family members with allergies can’t spend too long in your space. About 5 to 10% of Americans are allergic to pet dander, and homes are often considered high-dander environments. This spring cleaning, pay attention to the affect your pets have on your home; clean up any pet hair you can find, and see what you can do to limit the impact shedding has in your space.

Manage Your Moisture Content

After a long winter, it’s likely your home is suffering from some moisture problems. Water content in your home can lead to mold fairly quickly; it only takes 48 hours for mold to set in and the longer things remain wet the more likely they are to be destroyed or cause permanent damage. Mold in your home can cause a variety of respiratory problems if left unchecked, so watch for any signs of moisture or mold that could end up being harmful.

Clean Your Air Filter

If you’re taking the time to deep clean your home, go the extra mile and clean your air filter. Cleaning up your HVAC or switching out the air filter can do a surprising amount for the air quality in your home by reducing the amount of allergens you’re being exposed to. Choose an air filter that has a small-particle or HEPA filter for the best air quality in your home.

Cleaning your air filter doesn’t just improve the air quality; it can also reduce your energy bill. Heating and cooling account for 50% of the energy use in the average home; regularly maintaining your heating and cooling systems throughout your home can significantly reduce just how much energy is used to keep your home a comfortable temperature.

Check Your Linens

Fabrics, more than anything else in your home, trap dander, dust, and other allergens. When you’re cleaning out your home this spring, take the time to properly wash everything from your curtains to your sheets. Don’t forget about shampooing rugs; you may want to even consider removing rugs from your home if possible. These quickly trap allergens and, usually, don’t get washed nearly often enough to stay truly clean and allergy-friendly.

Making your home allergy-friendly can take time, but those in your life who have allergies will thank you. Take the extra time during your spring cleaning this year to allergy-proof your home, and use these tips to keep your home allergy-safe year-round.