How to Clear Your Home of Allergens
![]() Below are a handful of quick and easy tips from Winstar Home Services to help homeowners prepare and upgrade their HVAC systems to handle allergens: Keep a healthy level of humidity: - Dust mites and mold love moisture. Keeping humidity around 30 to 50 percent helps keep them and other allergens under control. - Use an exhaust fan when cooking, running the dishwasher, or bathing. - Empty catch pans in your dehumidifier. Dust and vacuum frequently: - Avoid using a dry cloth or feather duster, as they tend to push allergens back into the air. Instead, clean hard surfaces, floors and window shades/blinds weekly with treated dust rags, damp mops or damp rags. - Hardwood, tile and linoleum are ideal for chronic allergy sufferers, but if a home has carpet, be sure to vacuum carpeted areas weekly. Vacuum and wash rugs regularly as well. Ensure proper ventilation: - To combat indoor allergies such as mold, dust and animal hair, open your windows and doors and turn on any fans to help blow away allergens. - If outdoor allergies are a problem, close windows and rely on air conditioning or use pollen proof screens to combat pollen that might come through open windows. - Change air filters frequently to ensure that your HVAC system efficiently removes contaminates from your indoor air. - The highest quality filters, called HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, can remove almost all particulates and contaminants. - Install an air purification system. Update and/or cover your bedding: - Use anti-allergy pillow, mattress and box spring covers on all bedding. - If you have wool or feather bedding, consider replacing with synthetic materials.Source: Winstar Home Services |
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