Minimizing Indoor Allergens -10 Tips for Reducing Airborne Allergens In Your Home
Since most of our lives are spent indoors, indoor air quality is directly related to our health and well-being.
Unfortunately, as we have grown more sophisticated in insulating our home, we have also made it possible for allergens to build to an unhealthy level.
The EPA states that indoor air is 20 more unhealthy than outdoor air.
Here are 10 easy tips to help you bump up your air quality level for healthier living.
1.
Install high efficiency particle arresting (abbreviated as HEPA) on your central air and heating units.
Make a note of the expected filter life and make a note of it on your computer so that you are automatically reminded to change the filters.
2.
Rethink you indoor décor.
Use furnishings that allow you to wipe off dust and clean thoroughly.
Substitute blinds, shades, or shutters for draperies.
When possible, opt for wood floors, tile, linoleum, and area rugs.
These are better than carpet because they do not trap and hold allergens, and they can be cleaned easily with less expense and effort.
3.
Get rid of the clutter.
Piles-whether they are books, newspapers, clothes, mail, toys, or knick knacks on shelves-collect dust.
And dust is a major allergen.
Keeping the clutter to a minimum reduces the amount of dust that can go airborne with cleaning and everyday activities 4.
Vacuum with a HEPA vacuum.
This type of cleaner filters the air before it leaves the unit and traps allergens rather than blowing them back into the air.
5.
Use water to clean rather than sweeping or dry dusting.
A damp cloth to on furniture, hard surfaces such as mantles and woodwork, and damp mopping floors will really take dust and allergens out of circulation.
6.
Use cheesecloth as an additional filter over vent openings.
Cut it to fit under the grates so that is less noticeable.
7.
Cover bedding with allergen proof covers.
Dust mites are on of the most potent indoor allergens known.
Encasing pillows and mattresses will keep them from making a home in your bed.
8.
Wash bed linens weekly in water that is at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer.
This is sure to kill the mites.
Allowing your bed to air out will also reduce the mite population because they are killed by sunlight.
9.
Clean your space regularly to prevent a build up of any particles that enter from the outside as you come and go, and to minimize any that have been circulated.
10.
Use a portable HEPA air purifier to further reduce allergens.
The bedroom is an excellent place for this type of filtration.
2 hour filtration would make this a haven and insure that body has a chance to rejuvenate naturally with a good night's sleep every night.
Unfortunately, as we have grown more sophisticated in insulating our home, we have also made it possible for allergens to build to an unhealthy level.
The EPA states that indoor air is 20 more unhealthy than outdoor air.
Here are 10 easy tips to help you bump up your air quality level for healthier living.
1.
Install high efficiency particle arresting (abbreviated as HEPA) on your central air and heating units.
Make a note of the expected filter life and make a note of it on your computer so that you are automatically reminded to change the filters.
2.
Rethink you indoor décor.
Use furnishings that allow you to wipe off dust and clean thoroughly.
Substitute blinds, shades, or shutters for draperies.
When possible, opt for wood floors, tile, linoleum, and area rugs.
These are better than carpet because they do not trap and hold allergens, and they can be cleaned easily with less expense and effort.
3.
Get rid of the clutter.
Piles-whether they are books, newspapers, clothes, mail, toys, or knick knacks on shelves-collect dust.
And dust is a major allergen.
Keeping the clutter to a minimum reduces the amount of dust that can go airborne with cleaning and everyday activities 4.
Vacuum with a HEPA vacuum.
This type of cleaner filters the air before it leaves the unit and traps allergens rather than blowing them back into the air.
5.
Use water to clean rather than sweeping or dry dusting.
A damp cloth to on furniture, hard surfaces such as mantles and woodwork, and damp mopping floors will really take dust and allergens out of circulation.
6.
Use cheesecloth as an additional filter over vent openings.
Cut it to fit under the grates so that is less noticeable.
7.
Cover bedding with allergen proof covers.
Dust mites are on of the most potent indoor allergens known.
Encasing pillows and mattresses will keep them from making a home in your bed.
8.
Wash bed linens weekly in water that is at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer.
This is sure to kill the mites.
Allowing your bed to air out will also reduce the mite population because they are killed by sunlight.
9.
Clean your space regularly to prevent a build up of any particles that enter from the outside as you come and go, and to minimize any that have been circulated.
10.
Use a portable HEPA air purifier to further reduce allergens.
The bedroom is an excellent place for this type of filtration.
2 hour filtration would make this a haven and insure that body has a chance to rejuvenate naturally with a good night's sleep every night.