Although the summer is winding down and there is less pollen in the air, fall allergens like ragweed, mold and dust remain problems for many. A lot of people just wait it out until the first frost for relief of their worst symptoms. However, there are a few easy tips for keeping these triggers at bay in your home that will ensure that you and your family are comfortable during the fall allergy season.
1. Clean Duct Work
Fall is the best time to remove any mold or dust from your duct work. Summer's humid air carries pollen that can agitate your family's allergies. Having your home's HVAC system cleaned will ensure that any allergens will be removed, so they won't be re-circulating through your home.
2. Dust and Vacuum
Keeping your house clean and free of dust makes a big difference if you suffer from allergies. Run the vacuum at least 3 times per week, especially in high traffic areas of your home. Dusting should also be a priority in the fall. Try to keep surfaces clear to make dusting easier. If you have blinds hanging in the windows, consider switching to fabric curtains or sheers. Horizontal blinds attract dust and are difficult to clean.
3. Bathe Pets
If you have outdoor/indoor pets make sure they're bathed regularly, as they carry allergens in their fur. If you take Fido out for a lengthy walk, give him a good brushing and let him shake it off before you take him back inside. This will remove a good amount of anything he may have picked up while outside.
4. Get Some Fresh Air
Just because you suffer from allergies doesn't mean you can't let fall's crisp breeze flow through the open windows. To ease allergy symptoms keep the windows shut between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., these are peak allergy hours. You can also check the allergy forecast in your area before you open the windows at weather.com.
5. Reduce Mold
Cleaning your bathrooms regularly will help prevent the amount of mold in your home. Make sure your shower curtain is cleaned regularly, as well as your bathroom windows and walls. Use a mix of water and bleach to kill mold and bacteria, and then turn on the fan to circulate air. You can also control mold in your home by keeping the humidity under 50%.
This post was written by Erie Construction.
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