Many irritants -- dust, mold, dust mites, wood smoke, pesticides -- get tracked into your house on your shoes. Put out a large welcome mat so friends and family will wipe their shoes before entering. Choose a rubber mat that can be cleaned on a regular basis. Better yet, ask them to leave their shoes at the door.
Clean the Air With HEPA Filters
A HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter can capture 99% of the tiny particles (allergens) in the air. These portable devices range from tabletop to room-size. HEPA filters work best for removing pet dander and pollen, but not as well for dust mites. Look for units tested by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers that list the clean air delivery rate (CADR). Make sure the number listed is at least 2/3 of the room's square feet.
Use an Allergen-Trapping Filter
Typical furnace filters don't catch smaller allergens. Pleated paper filters with a MERV (efficiency) rating of 7 to 13 can be almost as effective as HEPA filters and can cost around $10. Electrostatic filters use charged fibers to trap allergens and can cost less than $15. Change filters every three months to maintain unit efficiency. A whole-house HEPA or electrostatic filter unit can be added to your HVAC system, but the cost can be more than $300.
Electronic Air Cleaners
Electronic air cleaners don't use filters or fans. Instead, they change the electric charge on polluting particles. Some electronic air cleaners produce ozone, which can sometimes further irritate allergies.
Neti Pot: Clean Your Nasal Passages
Using a neti pot to irrigate your nasal passages may help reduce allergy symptoms. Fill the pot with lukewarm saline solution, tilt your head over the sink, then pour the salt water into one nostril and let it drain out of the other. The pots, which are available at health food and drugstores, sell for around $10 and contain instructions. You can also use a bulb syringe or rinse bottle to irrigate your nasal passages.
OTC Allergy Medications
Over-the-counter allergy medications come in pills, eye drops, and nasal sprays. Antihistamine pills help relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. Decongestants help with a stuffy nose. Antihistamine eye drops help itchy eyes. Allergy nasal sprays prevent sneezing and nasal symptoms. Decongestant nasal sprays are not the same thing -- using them for more than three days can lead to increased nasal congestion.
Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers
Dust mites -- tiny creatures that live in your bed, sofa, and carpet -- are a leading cause of nasal allergies. Keeping indoor humidity low helps control dust mites, which thrive in moist, warm air. But too-dry air can irritate nasal passages and make allergy symptoms worse. Strike a balance by keeping the humidity in your home between 30%-50%. You can monitor it with a hygrometer (about $10). Tabletop humidifiers and dehumidifiers are available at discount and drugstores in the $30 to $100 range.
Remake Your Bed
Keeping dust mites out of mattresses and pillows can help prevent allergy attacks. Choose pillows and comforters filled with synthetic hypoallergenic material instead of mite-friendly feathers. And cut back on the number of throw pillows.
Cover Your Mattress
Encase pillows, mattress, and box springs in allergen-proof covers. Prices can range from $20-$150 depending on bed size
Upgrade Your Dust Cloth
Trade in your old cloth, which stirs up allergy-causing particles while you dust, for a microfiber cloth. Unlike a cotton towel or old T-shirt, this cloth's fibers have an electrostatic charge that actually attracts and traps dust. It can be machine washed. You can get microfiber mitts for hard-to-reach or delicate items, and special wipes for electronics.
Wear a Mask and Gloves
Housework and yard work stir up an uncommon amount of potential allergens, from dust and pet dander to pollen and leaf mold. Prevent an allergy attack by donning an inexpensive safety mask and gloves. Use work gloves for outside and nonlatex gloves (latex can cause allergic reactions) when working with household cleaners.
Use a HEPA Vacuum
Vacuuming once a week can help allergy proof your home, but you'll need to use a vacuum with a replaceable HEPA filter or use a double bag. That's because standard vacuum cleaners stir up dust into the air, while HEPA filters or double bags trap the dust and allergens. Be sure to vacuum upholstered furniture, too. HEPA filter vacuums can run anywhere from $100 to more than $1,000.
Steam Clean Allergens Away
Steam cleaning helps get rid of dust mites that have set up housekeeping in carpets and upholstered furniture. You can rent a steamer at a grocery or home improvement store for about $25 a day, or buy your own (in the $75 range and up) at department and discount stores. Some manufacturers offer cleaning solutions specially formulated to control allergens. Vacuum after you steam clean to eliminate dead mites.
Mold & Mildew Killers
To get rid of mold -- a common allergen that thrives in warm, wet places like the kitchen and bathroom -- follow these three steps: Clean, disinfect, and dry. Scrub mold and mildew away with soap, water, and a stiff brush. Disinfect with a mold-killing product that has 5% chlorine bleach, or use hydrogen peroxide or vinegar. Check for leaks and use an exhaust fan to prevent mold from returning.
Pet Beds & Shampoos
There are no hypoallergenic pets, but you can reduce pet allergies by keeping your exposure to pet dander to a minimum. Use a mild shampoo to bathe your pet frequently; if your cat is averse to a bath, at least wipe the cat's fur with a damp washcloth. You can also buy pet wipes at pet stores. Use plastic pet beds that can be wiped down, or wash pet bedding in hot water at least once a week.
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