How to Remove Allergens and Asthma Triggers in a Home

As we spend most of our time indoors, it’s important to improve our indoor air quality. This is especially true for those who suffer from asthma or allergies, as many allergens and asthma triggers lurk in homes. Here are eight main culprits for indoor air pollution with tips to prevent them.

• Cockroaches – Cockroaches contain a protein that is a common allergen in many people. Moreover, their droppings can trigger asthma attacks. To stop cockroaches from creeping around in a home, the home should be kept as dry as possible. Open food sources must also be limited by keeping the kitchen clean, covering trash cans, and washing dishes as soon as possible. To kill cockroaches, roach traps are a good solution. However, an exterminator should be hired for a serious cockroach problem.
• Dust – Dust in homes contains dust mites which can trigger asthma attacks. The amount of dust in the home should be minimized by vacuuming surfaces where dust accumulates. Stuffed animals and clutter should be removed from the bedroom. Also, the bedding should be washed on the hottest water setting.
• Carpet – Carpets can trap a large amount of dust and allergens, so they should be cleaned regularly. However, to stop the carpet dust problem, it’s better to not have carpets at all. Plain tile or wood floors are healthier and easier to clean. Wall-to-wall carpeting is another no-no dust-wise and should be avoided.
• Furniture – Dust and allergens can easily get trapped in upholstery. To avoid this problem in a home, upholstered furniture should be replaced with furniture that is easy to clean, such as leather sofas. Another thing to avoid is furniture upholstered in woven fabric.
• Mattress and Pillows – As dust and allergens can easily get into mattresses and pillows, anti-dust covers should be used – these keep dust and allergens at bay. Old mattresses and pillows should be sanitized before covering them to remove any dust mites.
• Pets – Animal dander is a common allergen that can also trigger asthma attacks. They should be kept outside as much possible and bathed once a week. Vacuuming the home often also contributes to less pet dander in the air.
• Mould – As mould grows in damp areas, the home should be kept as dry as possible. If the humidity in the home exceeds 50%, a dehumidifier can be used to maintain an acceptable humidity level. To learn more about preventing mould in homes, here are the main causes of household mould.
• Cigarette Smoke – Those who have asthma should not smoke. Period. Second-hand smoking is also dangerous and can trigger asthma attacks. Smokers should take it outside and away from those who have asthma.

While these tips are helpful for preventing asthma and allergen triggers in a home, there are more ways to improve indoor air quality. Here are extra tips to keep indoor air fresh. The HVAC system also plays an important role in keeping indoor air healthy as long as the system itself is clean. The PuroClean team stands ready to provide professional restoration services to any property affected by fire, water or mould damage.

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