If you have ever suffered from allergies, you already know how difficult it can be once they act up. Even a mild case of allergies brings a fair bit of discomfort to everyday life. So, if you cannot beat them, you should at least try to avoid substances that cause allergies. In some instances, this can be difficult to achieve. Either you don’t know the actual cause of your allergies, or the place you are going to is full of allergens. So, if you need to relocate to a new home, it is essential to know how to make it as allergy-proof as possible. With this in mind, here is how to allergy-proof your new home.
How to allergy-proof your new home
Allergy-proofing your home is best done before moving your household items into it. We will assume that your household items do not cause allergies, as you would’ve gotten rid of them by now. And the fact that your home is as clear as possible gives you the necessary room to efficiently clean it and make it allergy-proof.
Beds
Beds are a common cause of allergies. To reduce, and ideally negate, their allergy potential, here is what you need to do. First, you need to take dust-mite-proof covers and place them over pillows, mattresses, and box springs. Make sure that all of them are fully encased. You’ll also need to wash your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets once per week. Remember that the water needs to be at least 130 F (54 C) to destroy the particles that cause allergies. So, make sure that you pick a suitable material.
Keeping your bedroom allergy-proof can be a daunting task.
Alt: A bedroom with white sheets.
When it comes to bedding, you want to avoid wool or feather and stick with synthetic materials. If you are entirely determined to make your bed as allergy-proof as possible, there are specialized materials to help you out. But keep in mind that they can be a tad expensive.
Floors
If you want to make your home allergy-proof, you need to get rid of carpets. Ideally, you will stick with hardwood or linoleum flooring. If you are keen on having a rug, you can choose smaller, washable ones. Theoretically, you can make a full-sized carpet allergy-free. But it is arduous, to say the least. You need to regularly wash and vacuum your carpet, not to mention to use a high-end vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Therefore, the more straightforward option is to avoid carpets altogether.
Opting for smaller rugs is a much better idea if you need to allergy-proof your new home.
Alt: A small rug in a living room representing a clear option if you want to allergy-proof your new home.
Curtains
By a similar token, you want to stick with easily washable curtains. Ideally, you will also use blinds that are relatively easy to keep clean.
Windows
Specific periods of the year yield a ton of allergies. The most notorious one is the pollen season in the spring. And the only way to protect your home during this period is to keep your windows closed. First, make sure that they are functioning well and that there are no drafts. Secondly, keep them closed and rely on your HVAC to ventilate your home. Keep in mind that your HVAC needs to have a HEPA filter to prevent small particles from entering. Finally, you want to keep your windows clear of mold and keep condensation at a minimum.
Furnishing
The best furniture against allergies is wooden furniture that is easy to clean. Metal, plastic, or leather furniture is also a good option if you happen to come by it. But, try to avoid large pieces of furniture that are difficult to clean.
Clutter
Decluttering your home is a good idea in general, especially if you are moving long-distance and are preparing to transfer to a new area. Relocation can be surprisingly costly, especially if you don’t have much time to prepare. So, it only makes sense to reduce the number of items you have to relocate to a minimum. That way, you not only make your relocation cheaper but you also avoid cluttering up your home.
The more items you have, the more time you have to spend collecting dust.
Alt: A person collecting dust from a flower.
When it comes to allergies, you should remember that all the clutter lying around will collect dust. And that dust can easily cause an allergic reaction. Of course, you can choose to clean your items regularly. But, all things considered, it is much easier to opt for a more decluttered lifestyle. If you need to store your items, keep them outside your living area (like a garage or a shed) or place them in a storage facility.
Pets
If a person is allergic to a pet, there isn’t much you can do to prevent allergies from popping up. Keeping your home clean and preventing pets from going into the bedroom is a good measure. This will at least provide some space where allergies won’t act up. You should also try to wash your pet regularly if you aren’t doing so already. If you add to this some mild allergy medication, your home can be made livable for a person allergic to your pet. But know that there is no long-term solution.
Keeping your home clean
As you can see, there are various ways to allergy-proof your new home. But, all of them take up time. Whether you need to clean your blankets or vacuum your carpet, it will be an arduous job that demands time and energy. And if you are renting out a place, you may not even have the capabilities to keep it clean. So, if you are struggling to keep your home allergy-proof, don’t shy away from hiring professionals. Professional cleaners know how important it is to maintain a clean home to keep allergies at bay. So, if you need to apply the methods that we’ve outlined, but don’t have the time, do the smart thing and call professionals to your aid.
