A life spent dealing with allergies can be tough, especially when you struggle in your own home. But there are many things you can do to remove potential irritants, making your time there more tolerable. Here are some surprising ways to allergy-proof your home.

Whole House

Many potential allergens exist throughout your home. You can control most of them by following some basic steps.

Climate

The first tip is to monitor the temperature and humidity in your home. The ideal range for a home temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees with humidity kept below 50%. Staying within these guidelines will limit the growth and spread of allergens.

Mold

One of the most common varieties of fungi capable of infiltrating the home, mold presents a danger to all who live with it. Closing doors and windows can help control moisture in the home. If there’s a rise in humidity, running a dehumidifier can help lower the risk of mold infestation. Should you suspect that you may have a mold problem, you may wish to order a home mold test kit online just to make sure that this is the case before calling professionals out to remove it so that you are able to safely be in your home again.

Smoking

An insidious habit on its own, smoking can wreak havoc for allergy sufferers. All smoking should be done outside of the home and away from any doors and windows that might allow the clouds of smoke to gain entrance.

Room-Specific

Steps can also be taken to remove allergens from individual rooms. Here are some surprising ways to allergy-proof the different rooms in your home.

Bedroom

The best way to stop allergens thriving your bedroom is to wash your sheets and blankets at least once each week. You should also remove knick-knacks and trinkets from the room that only serve to collect dust. Finally, choose furniture that’s easy to clean to prevent dirt and grime from taking a foothold.

Kitchen

In the kitchen, a vent above the stove is an often-underused tool. It can work wonders for removing allergens. Tossing away expired food can stop the growth of bacteria, and prevent possible infestations of rodents. Regularly clean your cabinets and countertops to prevent dust from gathering, and possibly ending up in, your food.

Living Room

Certain materials will trap allergens, which can make cleaning some furniture nearly impossible. Purchase all wood furniture or seating that is upholstered in leather. Exercise caution when placing potted plants to prevent a mold infestations from the soil’s moisture. Curtains and blinds should be cleaned regularly to prevent dust buildup.

Bathroom

The allergy threat from mold growth in the bathroom should be your number one priority. Install and use an exhaust fan to help remove moisture and humidity. If your bathroom is carpeted, consider removing it; trapped moisture can cause mold to thrive. You can install tile or use a mold-resistant paint to decorate without the risk of allergens.