4 simple ways to allergy-proof your home for allergy season

Spring offers relief from slush, snow and subzero temperatures (eventually); however, it also presents a new set of issues to those with allergies. Spring scenery can be hard to admire while you are suffering from itchy eyes, a runny nose and incessant sneezing. So take the time to allergy-proof your home!

Pollen is the primary catalyst to tedious seasonal allergies and it can subtly find its way into your home during the spring. Although you can’t get rid of outdoor allergens, there are easy measures you can take to make your home a safe-zone in the fight against springtime congestion.

Here are four silent triggers for seasonal allergies and tips on how to keep them out of your home:

1) Keep your pets clean

Sharing a bed with your pet has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety for both the pet and the owner; however, it can increase the effects of allergies. Animal urine, saliva, and dander can cause allergic reactions, so as difficult as it may be, declaring your bed a pet-free zone can help soothe your symptoms in the long run.

It is also important to bathe your pets frequently to reduce the dander and pollen that they shed around your home, especially during the springtime when pollen is in abundance outdoors.

2) Vacuum and steam your carpets

Carpet fibres can trap and harbour allergy-inducing particles of pollen, dust and dander. If you have the option, tiles and hardwood may be better choices for those susceptible to allergies. However, if you already have carpeting installed in your home, regular steaming and frequent vacuuming can help to silence your springtime sniffles.

It is also important to consider the vacuum that you are using, especially as we start to spend more time outside during the warmer months and inadvertently summon pollen indoors through our clothing and shoes. Regular vacuums can spread allergens around the house. Conversely, vacuums with HEPA filters, like the Hoover’s WindTunnel Self-Propelled Bagged Upright model, trap 99.97% of lingering particles, making them the more efficient choice.

You can also use carpeting to reduce and block allergens from entering your home by placing two doormats at your front door (one outside, one inside) to keep outdoor irritants from finding their way inside via shoes.

3) Use the right air fresheners

Behind their sweet smell, plug-in air fresheners emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can exacerbate allergy symptoms and headaches. So if you want to fill your home with a fresh scent for spring, consider a nebulizer instead. The AromaOm Nebulizer from Saje reduces allergens in the air while using essential oils to create a serene atmosphere.

4) Avoid hanging clothes outside

Though spring may seem like the perfect time to dry your clothes outside, it can be disastrous for your seasonal allergies. While drying on a clothesline, clothing collects pollen circulating in the air and brings it into your home. So in this case, it is OK to opt for the dryer instead.

We hope that these tips help you to alleviate your allergies and survive the spring!