How to Ensure Your Home is Allergy and Asthma Friendly

According to research, five percent of Spaniards suffer from asthma. While this may not seem like a lot, that is over 2 million people. Add those who suffer from allergies to this number, and you have a massive chunk of the population who are experiencing discomfort regularly. Asthma and allergies can be triggered by a wide variety of factors, both ones that you can and cannot control. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to minimize these triggers inside your home. Here are just a few tips to get you started.  

Say Goodbye to Carpeting 

Dust mites are one of the main culprits when it comes to triggering asthma attacks and allergic reactions. This means that it is imperative to keep your home as dust-free as possible. It also means that you should try to minimize any surfaces that could be a breeding ground for dust mites. 

Carpeting is one such surface. As such, it is a good idea to replace any carpets in your home with wooden or tiled flooring. Not only are these easier to clean, but they do not come with all the nooks and crannies where dust mites could thrive. According to the lifestyle website reviewbox.es, carpets also tend to accumulate debris, such as skin flakes that fall off our bodies, which are a favorite food for dust mites. “If you can’t go without carpeting, opt for a low pile version and vacuum it frequently. If you have rugs or floor mats, wash these weekly,” the website states. 

Invest in the Right Furniture 

Just like carpets, upholstered furniture can also be contributing to the allergen problem in your home. For example, couches upholstered in fabric can easily harbor dead skin and become infested with dust mites. To deal with the situation, opt for furniture made from leather, faux leather, vinyl, or anything else that is easy to wipe down. 

Since your bedding can also be a breeding ground for mites, be sure to protect your mattress and pillows with mite-proof covers. Besides, wash these every week.

Keep Your Home Leak Free

Leaks can lead to standing water, which promotes the growth of mold. This means that all leaks, even the tiny ones, should be fixed as soon as they are noticed. 

The two areas of the home you should be keeping an eye on are the bathroom and basement. These areas also tend to be more humid than the rest of the house, which means a higher risk of allergens. Try to keep your bathroom door open to promote ventilation, and run the vent for at least 30 minutes after each shower.

If you notice mold in your home—it can often build up around your shower curtain or basement walls—be sure to clean it immediately. Mix a quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda with around 500 milliliters of water, and apply it to the area. If necessary, also scrub the surface with a brush. If possible, clean the mold in a ventilated area and always make sure that you are wearing a mask.