With summer nearly upon us Bristol many people will now be watching the pollen count steadily increase, and will no doubt, have a worried look on their face. Tracking in dirt throughout the house can really cause these allergies to flair up at this time of year, but here is a list of ways that you can ease these allergies and enjoy a summer free of blocked noses and puffy eyes.
Although it may seem like an obvious one, but hovering the house once, or better yet, twice a week will ease any allergies you have massively. Some sceptics say that dirt will be trapped in carpet regardless and that you cannot live with your allergies and that carpet in your front room that you love, but just treat it well through the summer months and you’ll notice a difference. Another tip for hovering away allergies is to make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter. Some allergens are so small that they pass right through a regular hoover filter. That means that every time you hoover, you could be sucking them off the floor and shooting them into the air, where you breathe them in.
Find yourself immersed in clutter around your home?
Try and cut down on the old boxes of junk that will be gathering dust in your home. Keeping things lying around your home instead of throwing them away can hide allergens like dust mites and cockroaches throughout the house.
This may sound a little extreme and might even make you think of a smog situation but if your allergies are persistent try wearing a mask when you clean. When you're done with your housework, leave the house for a few hours. It will limit your exposure to allergens you kicked up into the air.
Some people forget that allergies come from all spots in the house, not just carpets. With regards to mold in your bathroom scrub the tiles regularly and save you from allergies that can be forgotten in the bathroom. Don't forget the shower curtain, too. You may be able to toss it in the washing machine.
Again something that can seem obvious to anyone who has dealt with allergies at this time of the year is to wash your clothes and bed sheets regularly. Make sure it's at least 130 F. That's hot enough to kill dust mites, and if your child has allergies, do the same with any washable stuffed animals. When it comes to drying this clothing try not to leave it outside. Clothing left outside will pick up pollen and mold, which can then be taken inside and hide away in your carpet. Use the clothes dryer instead.
Whilst it may be tempting, try not to use scented cleaners on your carpets.
If you have allergies, the fragrances in cleaners can trigger symptoms. Look for fragrance-free products instead. When cleaning carpets a number one tip is to use a damp cloth as it will trap the allergens rather than knock them around into the air. However when I say to use a damp cloth, really make sure it is just damp and that you’re not shampooing your carpet as the leftover moisture could cause mold growth or increase dust mites.
For the people whose allergies are very serious the best advice we can offer is to simply ask another family member to take over some chores. This may seem a bit lazy but it's better if you avoid jobs like dusting or vacuuming if you are badly allergic to dust mites, as sometimes it’s better just to be out of the vicinity of them.
Taking your shoes off before you enter your house is always a great way to reduce allergies as you can be sure you aren’t tracking in outside dirt inside. Keeping pets out of your bedroom or trying to tidy up after them as best as possible (I know, easier said than done) can make your allergies feel far better, due to the fact they track pollen and other allergens into the house as much as anything else.
Getting special bedding from certain shops has been recommended to me before and is something many people swear by. Use dust-proof covers on your mattress and pillows to keep dust mites out. This will keep them away from other parts of your home too. Horizontal blinds are also something that will trap dust and other allergens and are often over looked. Cleaning these thoroughly once or twice a week will ensure that the allergens in your home don’t spread.
Instead of opening windows when it’s hot, use the AC.
An air conditioner will filter the air, preventing dust, dirt, pollens, molds, and other triggers from getting in. This will allow less chance of dust and pollen to settle within your carpet and give you a better chance at cleaning said carpet through the week.
These are top tips for this summer in Bristol and how to make sure your allergies aren’t getting the best of you. Follow these guidelines along with any medication that has been advised for you and I can guarantee that your struggle with carpets and allergies will disappear, freeing you up to enjoy the weather.
If you would like anymore advice thne please feel free to contact us, we'd love to hear from you
