How to Improve Seasonal Allergies with Better Indoor Air
When mold and pollen counts are high, your strategy may be to stay indoors as much as possible. However, did you know that things like pet dander and dust mites can contribute to poor indoor air quality? Fortunately, there are several precautions you can take to improve indoor air quality and reduce seasonal allergies in your home in Puyallup. Follow these tips to limit your exposure to indoor allergens at home, school, or work.
Keep Dirt Outside Where It Belongs
Every time people enter your home, they could be tracking in pollen, dirt, dust, and other pollutants. Prevent the spreading of potential allergens throughout your home by investing in a doormat.
For further protection against the spread of allergens, have guests remove their shoes before coming inside. If you have a porch, instruct guests to leave their shoes outside. Otherwise, they can leave them by the front door.
Frequently Vacuum and Dust
Consider purchasing a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Make sure you vacuum frequently to remove dust and dirt from the surfaces of your carpet. If you have pets, it’s very important to vacuum more often as furry friends can bring in pollen from outside into your home. If you have hardwood floors, carefully sweep and mop each surface at least once a week. Then, dust regularly to eliminate dust mites.
Check Your Humidity Levels Often
Especially in warm and humid climates, mold can quickly grow if the humidity levels inside your home are too low or high. Ideal indoor humidity levels should be between 30-50% to prevent the growth of mold. If your levels are too high, reduce condensation and mold by investing in a dehumidifier.
Purchase Houseplants
Did you know that a variety of common houseplants actually help to filter the air? Plants like English Ivy, Gerbera Daisies, Spider Plants, Pot Mums, and Chinese Evergreen produce fresh, clean air and require very little maintenance. These plants help to remove pollutants like trichloroethylene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. Just remember that some plants may be toxic, so you should always keep them out of reach of pets and children.
Regularly Bathe and Groom Pets
While pets are important family members, pet dander can have a negative influence on indoor air quality. Pet dander can trigger allergies ranging from chest congestion and difficulty breathing to watery eyes and rashes. Keep your furry friends clean and looking their best by regularly bathing them. Then, prevent shedding by brushing your pets regularly.
Wash Bedding at Least Once a Week
Soft fabric surfaces like sheets, pillowcases, and blankets can quickly accumulate skin flakes, saliva, sweat, mold spores, and dust mites. Wash these fabrics in warm or hot water at least once a week to reduce exposure to allergens and dust mites. If your pillows are washable, wash them at least once every three months. If you have pillows that can’t go in the washing machine, consider replacing them at least every year.
Properly Dispose of Unused Paints and Chemicals
Many household cleaning products, chemicals, and paints contain high amounts of toxic VOCs that could trigger allergies. Rather than keeping empty cleaners or paint containers in your garage, properly dispose of them. Just make sure you follow your local safety disposal guidelines, as many chemicals and paints are unsafe to dispose of in the garbage can.
Consider Purchasing an Air Purifier
If you’re an allergy sufferer, consider purchasing an air purifier. An air purifier is designed to remove pollen and other allergens from within your home. To ensure that particulates like pet hair, smoke, dirt, and dust are successfully removed, look for an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
Replace Your Air Filters
In addition to boosting energy efficiency, your air filters are designed to trap dust and pollen and prevent them from recirculating through your HVAC system. One of the easiest ways to improve indoor air quality while increasing the longevity of your heating and cooling system is to regularly replace your air filters.
Hire a Professional to Clean Your Air Ducts
Filthy air ducts are a common cause of allergies and quickly lower the air quality within your home. If your air ducts appear dirty, consider hiring a professional to have them thoroughly cleaned.
Our professional technicians are standing by to provide you with expert heating or air conditioning services in Puyallup. Contact Expert Air Control today for more information about how we can help to improve your indoor air quality. We provide heating, cooling, duct cleaning, gas piping, and electrical services.
