According to the Detroit Free Press, a milder winter and an earlier spring has made this year’s allergy season even worse than usual — and many of us are feeling the impact.
While we can’t control the elements outside, we can control what goes on in our apartments. There are several simple things you can do in your apartment to keep the sniffling and sneezing to a minimum.
Remove Outerwear at the Front Door. Keeping pollen and other springtime allergens out of your apartments starts at the front door. When you arrive home, it can be helpful to immediately remove shoes, coats, and other forms of outerwear. This will reduce the amount of allergens that you track into the home.
Wet Dust. Dusting more often during allergy season may seem like a simple solution, but this can actually cause allergens to be released into the air, exacerbating symptoms. Instead of using a traditional dusting wand, try using a wet cloth to remove dust from the surfaces of your home. This will trap the dust and other allergens that may have made it inside, keeping you from inhaling them.
Vacuum Regularly. When it comes to removing allergens from your home, vacuuming more frequently is an important step. Vacuuming after you’re finished cleaning will ensure that you pick up any debris that fell to the floor while you were dusting. Also be sure to vacuum couches, armchairs, and other soft surfaces.
Keep Bedding Clean. Change your sheets regularly to keep yourself from breathing in allergens while you sleep. It can also be helpful to shower before bed, to remove any pollen that might have stuck to you throughout the day.
Keep Windows Closed. While it can be tempting to open windows once the weather warms up, this can increase the amount of allergens in your apartment. Instead consider limiting the amount of time you have windows open, especially on windy days, especially since pollen moves faster when the wind is high. Keeping an eye on the pollen levels in your area and only opening windows when it’s low is also a wise choice.
By taking these steps, you can keep the allergens in your apartment to a minimum, reducing your symptoms and keeping you healthy.
Written by: Jillian Mikolaizyk
