You might not know it, but your home could be responsible for the allergies you are suffering from. Because Americans spend around 90 percent of their time indoors, they become unintentionally exposed to whatever contaminants are present in their homes or places of work.
In this article, you will learn about common allergens that are usually found in bedrooms and what you can do in order to minimize their effects.
Dust mites – Dust mites are found throughout the world, and they love living in proximity with people. These microscopic creatures inhabit even the most private spaces of our lives, including our bedrooms and living areas. Dust mites feed on organic matter like human dead skin cells, and that’s all good. The real trouble begins when they excrete their feces, which is laced with digestive enzymes to which many people are allergic.
To limit their numbers, make sure that you wash your bedding items every week in warm water. You can also use dust mite-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to prevent them from infesting your pillows and mattress. Because dust mites love humidity, you might also want to consider using a dehumidifier to make your bedroom a less favourable breeding ground for the little critters.
Allergens from pets – If you thought it’s your pet’s hair that’s causing you to sneeze or to have asthma attacks, you better think again. Contrary to what many people believe, it’s actually the proteins found in urine, saliva, or dander of animals that cause allergies.
For many allergic individuals who love their pets, parting with their furry pals is not even an option. The next best thing you can do is limit exposure to pet allergens as much as possible. Your pet should be bathed regularly, and your home should be cleaned as often as possible. Also replace household materials that easily collect dander and fur. For instance, replace drapes with roller shades or fabric upholstery with leather upholstery. Air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filters can also help get rid of airborne allergens.
Molds – Molds are fungi which can grow in homes that have experienced water damage or those with high humidity levels. It can cause respiratory disorders, fungal infections, and allergies, many of which can be dangerous.
If you have a mold problem in your home, try killing the colony with a bleach and water solution. You can also call a trusted restoration professional to do mold remediation in your home if the problem is too widespread.
Cockroaches – like dust mites, cockroaches are continental critters, and they also love being around people. Cockroach feces and saliva contain allergens.
To keep them out of your bedroom, never eat and drink inside, or dispose of things like food wrappers and soda cans immediately. Make sure than no food particles are ever scattered on your floor. Remember that cockroaches can survive even on greasy fingerprints.
Smoke – Smoke from cigarettes and fireplaces are major causes of allergies, and they can easily get inside your bedroom through the movement of air indoors. The only way to avoid these pollutants is by never smoking indoors or lighting up the hearth in the first place. If you love the idea of a roaring fire during the cold months, try installing a mock fire instead.
Dalworth Clean is a leading cleaning, home improvement, and restoration company in the Dallas Fort-Worth Metroplex. We offer allergy relief treatments for homes that are contaminated with indoor allergens. If you want to learn more about these services, please call us now at 817-553-2184.