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Quinte MLS Real Estate Reports
Belleville Real Estate, Quinte Real Estate, CFB Trenton Real Estate Relocations
Tips for Reducing Allergens In Your Home
Living with stuffiness or asthma? Here are a few simple strategies for reducing allergy-causing problems in your home.
Rule #1: Keep Things Cool And Dry.
Dust mites and mold love moisture and heat. To keep your air clean:
- Run the A/C. It dehumidifies the air, filters out pollen and discourages mold and dust mites.
- Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels between 30 and 50%.
- Use the exhaust fan in the bathroom to vent moisture.
Rule #2: Banish Dust Mites.
The waste they leave behind is what triggers most allergies.
- Cover your mattress and pillows with allergen-impermeable covers, and wash your linens, curtains and slipcovers in HOT water (at least 130ºC). It's the only way to kill mites.
- Try a no-frills approach to decorating. Use blinds instead of heavy curtains, avoid upholstered headboards, and get rid of knick-knacks that collect dust.
- Stick with hardwood or tile floors if you can, but if you have to have carpeting, go with low-pile and invest in a good vacuum with a HEPA filter.
- Keep the air clean with an air filtration system.
- Wash stuffed toys regularly, and store them in covered plastic bins.
Rule #3: Say Goodbye to Mold.
- Check your plants. If you see or smell mold, put aquarium gravel over the dirt, or find them a new home.
- Wallpaper traps moisture and grows mold. Get rid of old wallpaper, and never put new wallpaper over old - that just masks the problem.
- Wash your shower curtain regularly, or buy one that's antifungal.
Rule #4: Tame Pet Dander.
If your best friend is making you itch and sneeze, saying goodbye isn't your only option. Try these ideas first:
- Minimize dander by washing your pet's bedding often, and vacuuming the spaces where s/he hangs out.
- Keep your pet out of the bedroom, and limit him to certain parts of the house.
- Talk to your vet about dander-resistant products.
Rule #5: Breathe Clean Air.
- Avoid smoking in your home and limit using the fireplace, since smoke can irritate allergies and asthma.
- Go natural. Forget scented sprays and harsh chemical cleaning products. Stick with simple, natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice.
- Keep your house dry, cool and clean, and you'll be on your way to being healthier, happier - and sneeze-free!
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