The causes of allergy are everywhere in the household. The so-called allergens could be found in each room of your house. And everybody with an allergy knows quite well how much harm they can cause to an allergy sufferer. That is why you need to do whatever it takes in order to allergy-proof your house and put its inhabitants out of harm’s way. Some tricks may be more effective than others, but it all comes down to what allergy you have.
* First off – a no-brainer: NO smoking indoors. This needs no further explanations.
* A very important factor regarding allergens is your home's temperature. Hot environments are a natural breeding ground for various germs, dust mites and mold. Maintain a temperature of about 70 F (21 C). Pay extra attention to the pests! Put traps at key places in the house. And if that doesn't help, hire professional exterminators. In order to remove allergy-triggering insects, regularly vacuum the carpets and rugs and wash the hard surfaces.
* The bedroom: probably the most important room in the house because when one is asleep, he is most vulnerable. Make sure you encase both pillows and mattresses with dust-mite-proof covers.
* Also, wash all bed linen at least once a week at a high temperature which is sure to kill any germs.
* During pollen season, never open your windows but rather rely on the air conditioning in the room. Choose easy to clean furniture (chairs, dressers, etc.).
* Avoid upholstery. Smaller items that collect dust (books, kids' toys) are good to be kept out of the room. Same goes for the pets. You wouldn't want them leaving hairs on your bed.
* Putting an air filter in your bedroom can also help you ward of various causes of allergy. Try adjusting it so that it directs clean air towards your head when you sleep.
* The bathroom: an exhaust fan is a must. It helps reducing the moisture, which is known to cause mildew. Also, remove all carpeting and rugs from the floors. Rely on tiles, linoleum or vinyl flooring.
* The kitchen: by all means, install a cooker hood. What it does is to reduce moisture and remove cooking fumes.
* Scrub the sink and faucets very carefully in order to get rid of mold.
* Keep a watchful eye on the fridge. Once or twice a week scrutinize for any out of date products and dispose of them.
* Buy a waste bin with an insect-proof lid and throw the garbage out every day. What will help you reduce the chance of your kitchen being infested with insects is keeping it free of any food debris.
* The living room: if you have any carpeting or rugs on the floor, remove them and rather replace them with linoleum or hardwood flooring. However, if this is not possible, make sure you vacuum as often as possible, at least twice a week, and wash the carpeting periodically.
* Also, upholstered furniture is not a smart option. It's better to use sofas and chairs made of wood, leather, etc.
* If you can find a new home for your potted plants, make sure you do so. Same goes for your pets. Or if not, at least keep them outside when the weather allows.
Bottom line is – the causes for allergy are all around you, and if you are simply not able to avoid them, at least know how to locate and neutralize them.
Izzy Smith is a working mom who loves her home, her family and always accepts the challenges of life with a smile :)! She takes care of her home and family, but while cleaning and maintaining the house, she finds some time for writing.
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