The dusting of yellow powder covering everything outside and the constant sound of sneezing in the air, let’s you know that it’s definitely allergy season. While you may not be able to do anything about the air outdoors, there are a few things you can do to protect the air inside your home during allergy season and hopefully breathe easier. So, what can you do? Here are a few of our top tips for decreasing the pollen in your home and hopefully reducing the number of times you sneeze.
Keep your windows closed.
After keeping your windows closed throughout the cold winter, you may be craving some fresh air. This is not the time to open them, regardless of how pleasant the temperature is outside. Opening your windows gives the pollen and other allergens blowing around outdoors a direct portal into your home. If you can’t resist opening your windows, try to do it after it’s rained when the pollen count will be lower.
Fortunately, if you’ve equipped your home with vinyl windows, you can still check out the beautiful view of trees and flowers blossoming without being tortured by your allergies. Hopefully, you’ve purchased Mountainview windows by Vinyl Design because they come with a special screen mesh that reduces pollen infiltration. By the way, this also applies to doors. Make sure they are kept completely closed when not being used.
Vacuum frequently.
Despite your best efforts, some allergens are going to find their way indoors. Vacuum them up, at least once or twice a week. However, you should be aware that not all vacuums are created equal. Poor quality vacuums may put just as much dust into the air as they pick up. If allergies are a serious problem for you, you may benefit from purchasing a certified asthma and allergy friendly vacuum. While they are more expensive, they have been tested and proven to stop allergens from recirculating into the air.
Don’t forget to dust.
Another way to get rid of outdoor allergens that sneak their way in is by thoroughly dusting at least once a week. This is also necessary to get rid of the animal dander, insect waste, and human skin (yuck!) that naturally accumulate, causing their own set of respiratory issues. Be sure to get all the surfaces, as well as in the corners. Make sure you dust before vacuuming so you don’t miss any dust that may fall on the floor.
Swap out your air filters.
It’s the perfect time to check and change out all the air filters in your air conditioning and heating vents. Depending on how long it has been since you last did this, they may have collected lots of dust and dirt that could now be recirculating throughout your home. If you have trouble remembering to change your filters in a timely fashion, consider signing up for a filter subscription service. Companies like FilterEasy and DiscountFilters will deliver them right to your door for the same cost or less than what you would pay at the store.
Leave your shoes at the door.
One of the easiest ways for pollen and dirt to infiltrate your home is by attaching itself to your shoes. Once you wear them in, the pollen and dirt can gradually disperse along your floors. This essentially means you are pollinating your home’s floors just like a bee. Make sure everyone, even visitors, remove their shoes before coming in.
Allergy season is never fun, but that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to suffering, especially when you are in your home. Use the tips above to protect yourself and your home from allergy season.
