Easy Changes To Make Your Home More Hypoallergenic

Amy Williams - 2 Jun 17

Easy Changes To Make Your Home More Hypoallergenic

Your home should be your haven. It’s meant to be your sanctuary from the stress of the outside world, a place of relief from the pressures of work, and a happy place to rest your head. But what if it is making you sick? Your home can be a refuge for multiple allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, mold, mildew, and smoke. Feather pillows, cockroaches, and insect dropping are other well-known culprits. If you are susceptible to them, these allergens can cause headaches, sore throat, itchy eyes, difficulty breathing, and overall lethargy.

Fortunately, there are many simple changes you can make to minimize these allergens in your home. You don’t have to live in a sterile box, just make some basic swaps keep those nasty irritants at bay.

1. Be selective about the fresh flowers you have in your home. Choose ones that are known to be more hypoallergenic such as hostas, hydrangeas, and geraniums. They provide the look and health benefits of fresh flowers without the allergens of other flora and fauna.
2. If you enjoy scented candles, lose the heavily scented candles with artificial and chemically based scents. Choose unscented soy candles or flameless candles to reduce irritation and breathing difficulties.
3. Consider getting new furniture. Furniture made of synthetic fabrics can harbor dust, pet dander, and other allergens.  Choose leather instead. You’ll look chic and feel better.
4. You can keep your pillows, though, both on your bed and the decorative ones on the new couch. Just make sure they aren’t feather, and keep them in dust mite covers. These are becoming increasingly popular and now are available in a variety of colors and styles.
5. While you’re redecorating, you’ll want to remove your heavy synthetic curtains and plastic blinds, and replace all window treatments with those made of natural fibers. This will help reduce dust and give a clean, crisp look.
6. Since you’re making changes, go for a minimalist look. Keep it clean and simple by reducing the number of collectibles and “things” you have on your shelves and tables. Reducing clutter reduces the number of items collecting dust.
7. Might as well go ahead and redo your floors, too. Your carpet can harbor dust mites, pet dander, and all kinds of other items you don’t need in your house. Install hardwood or ceramic tiles in any variety of color or style. Not only will you allergens to a minimum, you’ll get a fresh, updated look.
8. Take the changes all the way into the bedroom. Use only all natural bed linens, including sheets, blankets, and quilts. Toss any faux fur throw blankets and choose all natural fibers to help cut back on dust and irritants.
9. Complete the allergen renovation with fresh paint throughout your home. Be sure to select “green” paint, making sure it is low or free of Volatile Organic Compounds.  These are what cause the strong paint odor that can linger and trigger asthma attacks, as well as basic allergy symptoms.
10. Finally, consider getting rid of your ceiling fans. They stir up dust and dirt and keep them circulating in the air you breathe.  Purchase an air cleaner or purifier to help your breathe cleaner, fresher air and improve the overall air quality in your home.

With just a few simple changes, you can make your home healthier and more hypoallergenic for your family. While there may be some initial cost upfront to making these changes, the price will balance out in the long run as you see a reduction in over-the-counter allergy remedies, prescription nose sprays, and co-payments at the doctor for allergy related illnesses. Your home will be happier and healthier with a chic new look.

Amy Williams

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