1. Consider your fixtures
      Carpets (especially dense pile) are a big no-no. They are well known to be one of the biggest repositories of dust and dirt. It’s best to go with a floor made of leather or vinyl material. In this way, those pesky fibres, pollens, bacteria and mites won’t have anything to cling to – and, your floor surfaces can be cleaned with no obstruction. It’s important to consider the right window coverings when you (0r, anyone in your household) is susceptible to allergies and asthma. Curtains can be a major hazard as the thick fabrics trap dirt and dust. And, think about it: just how often do you wash your window coverings? Instead, consider fitting out your home with blinds – metal Venetians come highly recommended.
    2. Look at your soft furnishings
      Fabric-based surfaces are one of the biggest culprits for trapping dander, dust and all kinds of other nasties – especially on your couch or sofa. What would happen if your favourite jacket or jumper was to come into contact with pet hair or pollen? If you are an allergy sufferer, the thought alone is enough to make you shudder. The same goes for your soft furnishings and upholstery. You’ll want to steer clear of materials that will attract and retain irritants and switch to home furnishings that are made from uniform surfaces – such as vinyl or leather.
    3. Manage pets and animals
      Keeping your home allergen-free is made all the more difficult if you (or any friends, family or visitors) have pets. Pet dander (a combination of shed fur, skin and/or feathers) is the cause of quite a few allergies – and, in particular, asthma. If you just can’t live without a furry or feathered friend in your life there are a few ways to reduce the impact of dander in your home. Some tips include keeping pets off the furniture, keeping your pet as an outdoor animal (installing a kennel, for instance) or maybe even getting a goldfish!
    4. Go hypoallergenic/organic
      Eliminating any and all irritants are the name of the game. Consider your pillows and mattresses. You spend so much time sleeping and in such close contact with your bedding that you really should invest in the right products. Organic/natural kinds of cotton are much friendlier options than anything synthetic- steer clear of such things as latex (a well-known irritant for some people in particular).
    5. Clean and purify
      You’ll want to be rigorous with your cleaning in order to keep your home as dust and dirt free as can be. Wash bedding, towels and any other fabrics regularly. Routinely use an electrostatic duster or a wet cloth to trap fine fibres and hairs. Remember, there are some smart ways to make cleaning less of a chore. Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA air filter will go a long way. Check under and around all surfaces for mould and mildew – spores are a major problem for many allergy sufferers.
    6. Check chemical compounds/ingredients
      You have to really consider the finer details when you (or, someone you care for) is experiencing problems like asthma and similar allergies. Always be diligent when checking chemical compositions and ingredients. Have a look at what laundry detergent you are using. Is it PH neutral and/or fragrance-free? Harsh surfactants and heavy scents can cause skin flare-ups like contact dermatitis – so, always go for certified allergen-free options where possible.


Living allergen-free
It may seem like a bit of a hard task, but allergen-free living is all about lifestyle choices. Some simple switch-ups in your home and a well-considered approach to cleaning can really assist the process of dealing with allergies and respiratory issues for you, and anyone else residing in your household. It’s about thinking smart when it comes to your home interior. Thankfully, these days it’s easy enough to do allergen-free without having to compromise on your sense of style.

Author: Justin Jersey