Summer in Central Texas brings sunshine, outdoor activities, and exciting adventures. Unfortunately, along with the fun comes a surge in allergens. Residents often battle sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and other allergy symptoms. To overcome the allergy battle and enjoy a symptom-free summer, you must allergy-proof your house.
At BV Allergy, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve a comfortable, allergen-free home. Our experts have compiled practical tips to assist you in creating a safe and healthy living space. With our guidance, you can significantly reduce allergens in your home and enjoy the summer without the nuisance of allergy symptoms.
Enjoy Your Summer and Beyond Allergy-Free!
How Your Indoor Environment Affects Your Allergies
Environmental conditions greatly influence and often worsen allergic reactions. Central Texas, known for its diverse flora, is a hotspot for various allergens, including pollen from trees, grasses, and ragweeds. The high humidity levels in the summer also turn homes into breeding grounds for mold and dust mites.
All these allergens cause sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and runny noses. For those with asthma, this is even more concerning since poor indoor air quality makes breathing much harder.
While the outdoors can be a significant source of allergens, the indoor environment is not free from its triggers. Common indoor allergens include:
- Dust Mites: These microscopic creatures love warm, humid spots like bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets. They eat dead skin cells and produce waste that triggers allergic reactions.
- Pet Dander: Pets shed skin flakes, known as dander, which become airborne and settle on surfaces throughout the home.
- Mold: Indoor mold grows in damp, poorly ventilated areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Breathing in mold spores from the air causes allergies and respiratory problems.
- Household Dust: Dust accumulates on surfaces and contains a mixture of allergens, including dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander.
How to Allergy-Proof Your House
A tidy home is essential to eliminating allergies and maintaining a healthy living space. Here’s how to remove allergens from your home:
1. Use HEPA Filters in Vacuums
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters trap tiny particles, including dust mites, pet dander, and pollen, that regular vacuum filters might miss. Regularly vacuuming carpets, rugs, and upholstery at least once or twice a week reduces dust and allergens in your home. Consider scheduling a professional steam cleaning every 6-12 months for a more thorough cleaning.
2. Dust Surfaces with Damp Cloths
Dry dusting can stir up dust particles, making them airborne and more likely to be inhaled. Using a damp microfiber cloth or dusting spray helps trap and remove dust rather than disperse it, ensuring surfaces are thoroughly wiped clean. Focus on areas that collect dust easily, such as shelves, blinds, and electronics.
3. Clean Air Filters and Vents
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems move air all around your house, and their filters work to catch various allergens that might be floating in the air. Over time, these filters become clogged and less effective. Replace HVAC filters every 1-3 months or more frequently during peak allergy seasons. Consider using high-efficiency HEPA filters for even better filtration.
4. Use Air Purifiers
Air purifiers help remove airborne allergens, provide cleaner air, and reduce allergy symptoms. Place air purifiers with HEPA filters in commonly used rooms, such as bedrooms and living areas. Ensure your air purifier is the right size for your room, and keep it running non-stop to get the best air quality.
5. Wash Bedding in Hot Water
Washing your pillowcases, sheets, and blankets in hot water—at least 130°F— effectively kills dust mites and eliminates allergens. Use hot water and dry it on a high heat setting. Consider using a laundry detergent designed to remove allergens.
6. Use Dust Mite Covers
Dust mite covers create an effective barrier, preventing dust mites from infiltrating your mattress and pillows. Protect your mattresses, box springs, and pillows by encasing them in allergen-proof covers. Ensure the covers are zippered and made from tightly woven fabric.
7. Prevent Mold and Mildew Buildup
Mold and mildew grow in damp environments, triggering allergic reactions and respiratory issues. Use mold-resistant paint and cleaning products. Wipe down shower walls and tub after use to remove excess moisture. Clean tiles and grout regularly with a mold-killing solution.
8. Keep Windows and Doors Closed
To limit outdoor pollen from entering your home, especially on high pollen days. Monitor local pollen forecasts and keep windows and doors closed in the morning and on windy days. Use air conditioning to cool your home instead of natural ventilation.
9. Use Dehumidifiers to Control Humidity
Low humidity levels effectively prevent the growth of dust mites and molds, both of which thrive in damp conditions. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas of your home, like bathrooms and basements. A good rule of thumb is to keep humidity below 50%.
10. Groom Your Pet Regularly
Bathe pets weekly using a pet-friendly hypoallergenic shampoo. Regular brushing can also help reduce pet dander and shedding. Wash pet toys and bedding in hot water regularly. Pet bedding and toys also accumulate dander, fur, and saliva, all triggering allergies. Use allergen-proof covers on pet beds to reduce dander buildup.
Read: Allergy Season in Texas 2024: Everything You Need to Know
How to Minimize Allergens in Your Home’s Outdoor Spaces
Apart from focusing on indoor allergen control, you must also clean outdoor areas to ensure a truly allergy-proof home. Here are some tips to lessen allergens:
1. Wash Outdoor Furniture Regularly
Pollen settles on outdoor furniture, and bringing it indoors introduces allergens into your home. To remove pollen and dust, regularly hose or wipe outdoor furniture with a damp cloth. Store cushions indoors when not in use.
2. Choose Low-Pollen Plants for the Garden
Some plants produce less pollen, reducing the overall pollen count around your home. Opt for female plants (which produce less pollen) or low-allergen varieties like hibiscus, begonia, and azalea. Consult a local nursery for recommendations on low-pollen plants suited to your climate.
3. Regularly Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Debris in gutters decomposes and harbors mold, which can become airborne. If many trees are nearby, clean downspouts and gutters twice a year or more. Use a gutter guard to prevent debris buildup.
4. Keep Lawns Mowed and Edged
Overgrown weeds and grass produce high levels of pollen and provide a habitat for mold and other allergens. Mow your lawn to a manageable height and edge along walkways and garden beds. These steps minimize pollen’s spread and reduce areas where grass allergens thrive.
5. Sweep and Hose Down Outdoor Pathways
Pollen and dust accumulate on outdoor pathways. Regularly sweep and hose down walkways, driveways, and patios to reduce the amount of allergens present. This one simple adjustment significantly lowers the amount of allergens entering your home.
Get Expert Allergy Treatment and Breathe Easier!
While these steps significantly reduce allergens in your home, professional help is needed to manage severe allergies.
Consulting with an allergy specialist can provide personalized treatment plans and solutions tailored to your specific needs. Through allergy testing, our allergist can identify the exact triggers of your allergies. This precise identification allows for targeted interventions, making your treatment more effective and efficient.
Brazos Valley Allergy & Asthma Clinics offers comprehensive allergy care, including testing, immunotherapy, and personalized treatment plans to help you breathe easier. Our team of experts, led by Dr. Paul Jantzi, is dedicated to improving your quality of life by managing and reducing your allergy symptoms.
Don’t let allergies control your summer. Take proactive steps to allergy-proof your home and seek expert treatments for a healthier, more comfortable living environment.
Get Expert Care at a Top Allergy Center in Texas!