Happy spring!  Happy pollen season!

For many of us, spring means enjoying open windows, fresh cut grass…for just as many, spring means allergies flaring up and discomfort. While we can’t necessarily rid ourselves of allergens, there are ways to get some allergy relief at home.

10 Ways to get Allergy Relief at Home

1. Close the windows.

Yes, close them.  Use the air conditioning in your home.  Why?  It’s easy, really- your air conditioner will filter the air.  Less allergens coming into the home.

2. Flooring.

Choose wood or tile.  Not a possibility?  Vacuum frequently.  Clean the rugs frequently.

3. Vacuum.

Choose a vacuum with a HEPA filter.  (I kind of think this is more the norm these days but maybe it isn’t?)

4. Bedding.

Choose mattress covers and pillow covers that are dust-mite proof.  Wash bedding frequently in HOT water.  I like to also do vinegar rinses with our bedding when we wash it.  This does include pillows.

5. Bathing/Showering.

I do not normally shower/bathe my kids daily.  When allergy season kicks in, my son’s in the shower right before bed each and every night.  Quite simply, he’s got hair on his head.  With allergens outside, and hair on the head— allergens are in your hair.  When you lay down to sleep, you put your head on your pillow, and that’s where your face stays.  Taking a quick shower before bed can prevent those allergens from getting on your pillow for you to breathe in all night long.

6. Pets.

Pet dander is not an allergy sufferer’s friend.  I’m not suggesting you get rid of your pets- we still have ours.  But stay on top of the vacuuming.  Try to adopt pets that have less dander given off, pets that don’t shed (as much) if possible.

7. Clutter.

Get rid of it.  Dust can settle on clutter.  Dust is an allergen.

8. No smoking in your house.

Ever.  Period. (I won’t lecture you,  but it can, will and does kill you.  Not worth it).

9. Clean regularly.

I hope you do this anyway but keeping things clean can help keep allergens at bay. This does also include laundry.  Letting laundry sit around the house with allergens on it won’t help anyone.

10.  Air filters.

Can’t stress this enough.  Change your air filters regularly (at least every three months). Use an Allergen Defense Filter to have just one more way to help filter allergens from circulating in the air in your home.

The Filtrete Micro Allergen Defense filter  attracts and captures microscopic particles like smoke and smog and large allergens like mold spores and pollen from the air passing through the filter. Outperforms fiberglass, washable and non-electrostatic pleated 1″ filters.

• Outperforms fiberglass, washable and non-electrostatic pleated 1″ filters

• Carries a 1000/1085 Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR)

• Attracts and captures microscopic particles like smoke, smog and large allergens like mold spores and pollen from the air passing through the filter

Register to receive seasonal e-newsletters featuring special offers, filter change reminders, better home living tips and more at www.Filtrete.com.

 

This post about 5 things to clean monthly is brought to you as part of my Filtrete Healthy Home Ambassadorship.  I was compensated for my time but opinions are my own.