May is National Allergy Awareness Month

May 04, 2015

The most common allergy triggers are pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and mold spores. Eight out of 10 people in the U.S. are exposed to dust mites, and six out of 10 are exposed to dog or cat dander. It’s no wonder that the 5th leading chronic disease in the U.S. is allergies. A whopping one in five Americans suffers from either allergy or asthma symptoms.

It’s not a hopeless battle though. According to WebMD, there are some steps we can take to cut back on exposure to dirt and allergens in the home. Let’s talk about a few of them.

In the Bedroom:

Bedrooms are the most allergen prone room in the house according to WebMD. To cut back on allergens in the bedroom start with the following:

Install hypoallergenic casings around mattresses, box springs and pillows.
Use only washable bedding instead of decorative bed covers that are rarely washed.
Put a reasonable limit to the number of plush toys stacked onto beds.
Depending of flooring, sweep or vacuum regularly and use a vacuum with a hepa filter.
Have carpets professionally cleaned a 2-3 times a year.

Living Room and Family Room

Perhaps not as allergen prone as bedrooms but similar precautions should be followed.

Choose smooth furniture like leather, vinyl, and ultrasuede over heavily upholstered pieces.
Limit the number of plush toys, and wash them regularly.
Vacuum regularly using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a hepa filter.
Have carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned 2-3 times a year.

Kitchen and Bathrooms:

Cockroaches can be a major trigger for allergies and asthma. So if you live in a place where cockroaches also reside, it is extremely important to keep kitchens and bathrooms clean.

Keep food stored in sealable containers.
Keep garbage cans covered and emptied regularly.
Use vent fans to clear the air of smoke or moisture after cooking or showering.
Check showers, sinks, and bathtubs for mold at least weekly and clean all surfaces regularly using a five percent bleach solution.
Regularly clean refrigerator drip pans.
Have your tile professionally cleaned in your kitchens and bathrooms

Whole House Solutions:

According to WebMD the best way to keep allergens at bay inside the home to maintain a clean and dry environment include:

Have any leaks in roofing or pipes repaired immediately.
Keep papers and clothing away from damp areas to prevent them from absorbing some of the moisture.
Use dehumidifiers in areas where excess moisture tends to accumulate, but be sure to empty them regularly so their reservoirs don’t become another source of moisture.
Use a tracking mat at entryways instead of a cutesy welcome mat.

There you have it! Short of becoming bubble boy/girl, it may be impossible to completely eliminate exposure to dirt and allergens, but if you’re diligent in applying these tips you will greatly reduce pollution and allergens in the home, and turn it into the sanctuary from the outside world that should be.

And the good news is Chem-Dry reduces the issue of non-living allergens in your home as much as possible. Chem-Dry has been independently tested and proven to remove 98% of non-living allergens* in the carpets and upholstery cleaned. You will be able to breathe easier in your own home without experiencing those terrible allergy symptoms.