For those who suffer from allergies, day to day life can become a constant struggle. However, although it’s harder to prevent coming into contact with allergens whilst you’re out and about, there are many ways in which you can make your home life a lot more comfortable by allergy-proofing your home. If you suffer from an allergy and are looking for ways to make life at home a little bit easier, read these top tips.
Dust, Dust, Dust
Dust is the stuff that horrors are made of if you suffer from an allergy. Although allergens – those tiny little things that make you cough, sneeze and splutter – are carried in the air, they can also settle onto surfaces such as furniture, meaning that you’re still at risk of having an allergic reaction even when curled up on the sofa. The best way to reduce this risk is to get rid of any surfaces that could attract dust, and therefore attract allergens. Carpets, stuffed toys, soft furnishings, and even your pet cat might need to go in order to prevent an allergic reaction. Laminate floors and wooden surfaces are a lot less likely to attract allergens, and they’re easier to dust with a damp cloth. Installing air filtration systems in your home could also help prevent allergen particles from settling on your surfaces.
Keep it Clean
In order to prevent allergen particles from settling, daily cleaning and wiping down of all surfaces is essential. If you’re sensitive to dust, it’s a good idea to ditch the feather duster and use a damp cloth instead. This will cause the dust to clog together and stick to the cloth, instead of flying into the air and triggering an allergic reaction. If you need to wash fabrics such as bedding or cushions that have gotten dusty, the best way to do so is by soaking in warm water, or if you need to put them in the washing machine, move them gently so as not to disturb too much of the dust that’s gathered.
Are You Allergic to Your Pet?
The furry coats of cats and dogs are a haven for allergen, so if you constantly find yourself coughing and sneezing at home, your beloved pet might be the cause. Although many people with allergies successfully find ways to be able to keep their furry friends, you may have to consider the heart breaking decision of parting with them. If you think your pet might be triggering your allergy, you might want to speak to a specialist to see if they can help you find a way to live together comfortably. You might also want to speak to a vet, who could provide you with bath products or sprays for your pet.
Are you an allergy sufferer who’ successfully managed to allergy-proof your home? Do you have any top tips and ideas for those trying to keep their home allergy free? We’d love to hear about it in the comments.
