April is prime time for spring cleaning, gardening, and enjoying springtime, but this time of year can be miserable for those suffering from seasonal allergies. Spring allergies can definitely leave you sniffling and sneezing, but there are a few ways you can fight back. Safewise shares a few simple ways to improve air quality in your home.
Good Old-Fashioned Spring Cleaning
Never underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned cleaning. Regular dusting and vacuuming can keep the allergens in your home to a tolerable minimum. But if your allergies continue, deep clean surfaces that don’t get as much attention.
Ceiling fans and window sills are popular gathering spots for dust bunnies. Check under the couch and furniture for other spots to clean.
And don’t forget the laundry. Washing bed sheets, curtains, and rugs in spring can lower the dust mite population in your home, letting you breathe easier.
Get an Air Purifier
Air purifiers aren’t a cure-all, but they sure can help. Look for one that matches the area you want to treat. Personal air purifiers cover about 200 square feet while home air purifiers can cover up to 1,000.
Choose one with a HEPA filter, the recommendation of organizations like the American Lung Association and the Environmental Protection agency.
Clean Out the Vents
All that dusting and air purifying won’t do much good unless you change the vents in your HVAC system, bathrooms, and hallways. Make sure that dust, dander, and pollen get trapped by a clean filter.
Don’t forget the laundry room—the dryer vents in your laundry room may also need a little cleaning. Plus, not cleaning the lint trap can create a fire hazard.
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