Dust, pollen and dander can become trapped in your home, triggering allergic reactions. Here's how to rid your home of allergens.
You can't see them, but allergens could be lurking in your home in the form of dust, pollen, dander and mould. Particles collect in curtains and carpets, dust floats through the air and it all triggers fits of sneezing, itchy eyes and runny noses.
While you can never completely eradicate allergens from your home, there are things you can do to remove them and their hiding places.
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How to get rid of allergens in your home
1. Buy a HEPA air filter.
Allergists recommend these air filters because they're one of the few ways to trap particles like pollen and dust, so they aren't released back into the air. Bionaire True HEPA Air Purifier, $133, well.ca.
How to get rid of allergens in your home
1. Buy a HEPA air filter.
Allergists recommend these air filters because they're one of the few ways to trap particles like pollen and dust, so they aren't released back into the air. Bionaire True HEPA Air Purifier, $133, well.ca.
How to get rid of allergens in your home
2. Ditch your rug.
Rugs and carpets collect dust, pollen and other allergens. You might not be able to redo all the flooring in your house, but if you're suffering from allergies, get rid of rugs or replace them with washable versions that you can clean regularly.
How to get rid of allergens in your home
3. Use a souped-up vacuum.
Not every vacuum can suck pollen, dust and dander out of a carpet or mattress, but some are designed to. Some Dyson vacuums are powerful enough to suck up tiny allergens that hide deep in the layers of your mattress or upholstered furniture. DC61 Animal, $300, dysoncanada.ca.
How to get rid of allergens in your home
4. Check your caulking.
Bathrooms are breeding grounds for mould, which can trigger allergic reactions. To prevent mould spores, clean your bathroom regularly and keep the caulking fresh around tubs and tiles.
How to get rid of allergens in your home
5. Nebulize allergens.
Nebulizers are all the rage among the natural health crowd. These devices release super-fine water droplets into the air to attach to dust and other airborne particles, dragging them down to the ground so they can be vacuumed up. You can even add an antimicrobial oil, such as thyme essential oil, for the pleasant scent and antibacterial action. Aromagem nebulizer in chrome, $60, saje.ca.
How to get rid of allergens in your home
6. Rethink your window treatment.
Both curtains and horizontal blinds can capture dust, and at the slightest breeze, those allergen-ridden particles could be headed straight for your lungs. Consider roller-type blinds and washable curtains to keep your window coverings clear of allergens.
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