Our homes are often filled with indoor allergy triggers that can make the lives of certain household members miserable. To alleviate this problem, we suggest you watch out for these specific triggers in your home:
- Dust mites: These microscopic insects love bedding and other soft furnishings. Your bedroom is full of them, so one way to tackle this issue is to wash your bedding in hot water once a week and encase your box spring, mattress and pillows in allergen-proof coverings.
- Pet dander: Pet dander can be a huge irritant. If you’re planning to adopt a pet, choose either one that doesn’t produce dander or select a breed that’s known to shed less hair. For people who already have pets, be sure to wash them regularly and keep them off your furniture.
- Pollen: You may think you’re safe if you have no plants in your home, but pollen often gets tracked in on our clothes and shoes. The best strategy is to change your clothes when you get home, stick them in a hamper and remove your shoes.
- Mold: This pollutant likes to grow in areas of high moisture, so make sure you’re keeping susceptible areas, such as your bathroom and basement, as dry as possible. You may also want to install a UV light system in your HVAC system.
- Cigarette smoke: The best advice we can give you is to do yourself a favor and quit. If you’re struggling, you can alleviate problems by smoking outside.
- Cockroaches: We’re not trying to gross you out, but cockroach saliva and waste can get into your air and act as an irritant. It’s a good idea to hire an exterminator on a regular basis, especially if you spot one in your home.