A new season is upon us and with that comes a whole new world of weather, outdoor and indoor conditions, and, of course, allergens. With spending more time inside, you’d think your home would protect you from allergens and irritants…but that’s not always the case. In fact, the air inside your home can be up to 5 times more polluted than the air outside. This is because your home traps allergens like pet dander, dust mites, and mold.
To help you combat indoor allergens, we’ve outlined a few tips to help you remove them from your home. Here are the best ways to keep allergens out of your home this fall and winter season!
Wash All Fabrics
Reducing allergies starts with washing everything that can hold dust mites. Dust mites are prevalent year round and do perfectly well in all temperatures. These microscopic, allergy symptom-inducing pests tend to lurk in anything soft or artificial. To ward them off, create a cleaning schedule that maps out when you should clean bedding, carpets, mattresses, and upholstered furniture.
Use a Dehumidifier
Tackling the mold and mildew in your home can be a challenge. Having a dehumidifier running will help remove excess moisture in the air creating an environment that makes it hard for mold to thrive. Keeping your indoor humidity level below 50% can also aid in warding off dust mites.
Replace your Air Filter
Your HVAC system is the heartbeat of your home, heating and cooling to make everyone comfortable. Ignoring your air filter can not only fail your system, but also can cause the air in your home to be more polluted. Just think of all the dust and dirt that’s potentially being circulated. Changing out your air filter will help keep the air inside your home clean and reduce allergens.
Replace Old Caulking
When your caulking and sealants start to get dark and you can see mold spores, don’t go for the bleach. The most common bleaches you can buy at the store won’t actually kill what’s growing on your caulk. Once you see discoloration, you need to replace the caulking or sealant entirely to completely get rid of mold.
Clean your Air Ducts
Your air ducts can collect up to forty pounds of dust, dirt, and household allergens in just one year. According to the EPA, this can cause common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside. That’s right, the inside of your home contains more pollutants and allergens than the outside. This is why it’s important to have your air ducts cleaned every year. Air duct cleaning removes contaminants from your ventilation system, significantly reducing the allergens in your home.
Breathe Easier with Bactronix!
By following these essential tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating an allergen-free environment within your home during the fall and winter seasons. Ensuring cleanliness in your living space by washing fabrics regularly, maintaining an optimal humidity level, replacing air filters, renewing old caulking, and having your air ducts cleaned will drastically improve the quality of your indoor air. Don’t let your guard down against allergens, even in the comfort of your own home. Breathe easier this holiday season with Bactronix, contact us today for a free quote.
