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If you are one of the many people who experience the symptoms of seasonal or consistent allergies, then you understand the frustrations of trying to manage them. Do your best to keep your home a comfortable place by following these tips to mitigate allergens in the place you spend most of your time.

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Rethink Your Flooring

Carpeting may be soft underfoot, but it harbors an untold number of allergens that can cause your allergies to flare up. Pollen, pet dander, dirt, and debris can all accumulate in the fibers and are difficult to completely remove. A better solution for your home and your health is to remove any carpeting and replace them with hardwood floors.

 

Find the perfect hardwood floors in a shade and style that suit your aesthetic. You can choose from natural or engineered hardwood in a variety of styles. These floors are timeless, long-lasting, and can increase your home’s resale value. In addition, hardwood floors are pet-friendly and easy for you to clean.

 

Routine Cleaning is Essential

Of course, you keep your home clean, but with allergies, you need to be even more vigilant. Dusting is your friend when you have allergies. Don a face mask so the particles do not add to the problem. Make an effort to dust every surface in your home at least weekly. Even the walls can collect dust and pet hair over time. Remember the tops of door frames and ceiling fans, too.

 

Vacuum, sweep, and mop the floor after dusting to catch anything that falls. Invest in an easy-to-maneuver vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter that is also lightweight. This will make the task less cumbersome. Vacuum everything from the floors and baseboards to the crevices in the couch. Use a mop to clean and pick up any leftover matter and finish the job.

 

Remove Curtains

Curtains might be beautiful and set a dramatic stage for your home, but they also retain unwanted detritus. Dust, dust mites, dander, hair, and pollen can all collect on the fabric and within the folds of curtains and drapery. 

 

Go ahead and replace your curtains with wooden or faux wood blinds. Vinyl blinds or in-window blinds are good alternatives, as well. If you are unable or not interested in changing out your curtains, set a schedule to launder the curtains frequently to reduce build-up. Cellular blinds can also collect allergens, but you can easily eliminate them with methodical vacuuming.

 

Be Proactive About Your Pet

Cats and dogs of any pedigree are bound to shed hair and produce dander. While some will produce considerably more than others, you can take steps to reduce its impact on your allergies. Do this by following the steps below.

 

  • Brush your furry friend. Do this in one area of your home, and then vacuum the space meticulously once you are done. Always clean out the brush, as well.

 

  • Bathe your pet weekly, followed by a thorough brushing session.

 

  • Go for a walk outside to get some fresh air. You and your pet need exercise, anyway, and the air can help your allergies (as long as the outdoor pollen does not exacerbate them, of course).

 

Take Your Shoes Off

Your shoes are workhorses that look good on you and protect your feet from the elements. They are also a barrier between you and whatever germs, waste, or dirt is lying on the ground. If you choose to wear your shoe into your home, you are bringing along a host of invisible things that may trigger your allergies. Save yourself from that potential problem by enacting a simple no shoes in the house rule.

 

Watch this video for an insightful look into what is lurking on the bottom of your shoes.

 

 

Mind the Details

When you enter your home, and after you remove your shoes, it is important that you either remove any outer clothing or regular clothing that has come into contact with allergens. Once you have done that, ensure you wash your hands to reduce any other contaminants. 

 

Taking action and paying attention to the little things that can contribute to an allergic reaction will help reduce or eliminate them inside your home.

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Now that you have a handful of ideas for how you can make your home more conducive to living and enjoying a reduced allergen lifestyle, you can go ahead and take action. Cleaning may not be your favorite thing to do, but once you start, it will be easier to stay on top of it. And, those new hardwood floors will be well worth it every time you look down.

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Kori

Digital Product Creator at Kori at Home
Kori is a late diagnosed autistic/ADHD mom. She is currently located in Albany, NY where she is raising a neurodiverse family. Her older daughter is non-speaking autistic (and also has ADHD and Anxiety) and her youngest daughter is HSP/Gifted. A blogger, podcaster, writer, product creator, and coach; Kori shares autism family life- the highs, lows, messy, and real. Kori brings her own life experiences as an autistic woman combined with her adventures in momming to bring you the day-to-day of her life at home. Kori is on a mission to empower moms of autistic children to make informed parenting decisions with confidence and conviction.

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