Tens of millions of North Americans suffer from allergies; anything from watery and itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing and worse. Spring time is often associated with a rise in allergies, although you might be surprised to know that allergies can be triggered just about anywhere, including your own home. If you're an allergy sufferer, chances are you keep your home spotless so as to lessen your allergic reactions. But sometimes your allergy triggers can make their way into your home without you even realizing it.
Pet allergies
If you're allergic to dog and/or cat hair, you're obviously not going to rush to the pet store to buy a little ball of fur. But if you have friends who own pets, they'll likely carry animal dander on their clothes. When they drop by for a visit, the dander will be left behind on your carpets, rugs and furniture just waiting to take you by surprise. Banning your friend from visiting you is a bit extreme, but vacuuming after they leave isn't. Thoroughly vacuum the areas of your home that your friend was in, and make sure that your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter that will prevent tiny animal dander particles from escaping.
Dust allergies
Those shelves of knick knacks, keepsakes, framed photos and other keepsakes, whether you keep them in your living room or in your bedroom, are terrific dust collectors. Leave them unattended long enough, and your dust allergies will flare up with a vengeance. Keep your bedroom as clutter free as possible, maybe just one or two pictures. Place your other keepsakes behind glass doors where they won't collect dust, and preferably not in your bedroom. Clean your bedroom floors and shelves at least once a week, and don't forget to vacuum under and behind the bed, dresser and bedside tables.
Pillows are another source of dust allergies. Dust mites love the warmth and humidity of your body, and regardless of the kind of fill your pillow has, you will have dust mites. Try using an allergy proof pillow cover underneath your regular pillow case. If your pillows are machine washable, wash them at least once per month in hot water and put them out in the sun to dry.
Mold
If you think that doing a load of laundry late at night before you go to bed saves you time, you may be right, but it could be playing havoc with your allergies. Wet clothes that are left in the washing machine for even a few hours can develop mold and bacteria. So don't let wet laundry sit. Remove it from the washer as soon as the wash cycle is completed and either hang it up to dry or place it in the dryer.
