5 Ideas to Eliminate Your Springtime Allergies

Allergies, there is a solution

Spring is beautiful—flowers in bloom, animals coming out of hibernation, and a world that is flourishing with life. Unfortunately, spring also means allergies. Those flowers, newborn animals, and changes in weather mean more pollen and dander, which only makes for more sneezing, nasal congestion, and irritated eyes. If you suffer from allergies, fear not. There are plenty of things you can do around the house to keep allergens from makings your spring a nightmare.

1. Check and maintain your ventilation system.

A good ventilation system pumps clean air into your home while pumping stale indoor air out. However, a malfunctioning ventilation system can just blow around the dust already in your home or fill your home with pollen from the outdoors.

An easy solution is to replace your air filter. Air filters are designed to clean the air of irritants and allergens, making sure that what you breathe in doesn’t make you sneeze. The average air filter should be replaced about once every two to three months.

The best thing you can do for your HVAC system is to get it professionally inspected and maintained. Your ventilation system should be maintained at least once a year, which will not only keep the sniffles away, but also ensure your system’s longevity.

2. Use your air conditioner instead of opening a window.

As tempting as it might be to let in that wonderful spring air, you’re also letting in the pollen, dander, and other allergens that will set off your sneezes. As long as you’ve replaced the air filter, your air conditioner will do an excellent job of keeping your home comfortably cool. Only use fans after you follow the next step.

3. Dust your home.

Dust accumulating on air vents, windowsills, blinds, and other hard, flat surfaces will exacerbate your outdoor allergies when you get back inside. Give your home a good sweeping and vacuuming. Check curtains and drapes as well. If allergies are really bad, cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief and eyes with protective glasses.

4. Give your mattress a quick clean.

Make this a seasonal habit. Use your vacuum to suck up any dust on your mattress. Sprinkle on some baking soda, wait about 15 minutes, and vacuum again. This will not only eliminate pollen and allergens, but also eliminate odors that have built up in the fabric.

5. Wash your pillows.

Allergen debris tends to collect on pillows. Considering you press your face onto them for hours every night, that’s a big problem. Vacuum foam pillows. Down and fiberfill pillows can be thrown in the laundry (but make sure you check the labels).

Spring cleaning and keeping an eye on the pollen forecast are the best ways to keep your home allergy free. Stay healthy!