5 Tips for Reducing Allergy Problems in Your Home

Ditch your carpet. Having carpet in your home is a sure way to collect allergens and dust, and keep them hanging around. Small particles get caught in the fibers of your carpet, sometimes so deep that vacuuming can't quite get them all. Hardwood, tile, and vinyl floors are great for reducing allergy symptoms in your house. Get rid of as much carpeting as possible and replace it with hard surfaces. And for the carpet and rugs you keep, upgrade your vacuum and use it several times a week.

Put doormats on each side of entries. Your home doesn't begin full of allergens. These pesky particles are brought in from outside by you and all the people who come through the door. They are commonly tracked in on the shoes and then dropped all over your home as guests and family walk through. You can put a doormat on each side of your entryways, and the allergens can stick to that instead. Make sure you vacuum or beat out these mats a few times a week to keep allergens from accumulating heavily.

Change your air filters regularly. Many people make the mistake of forgetting that they have an air filter which affects the quality of the air in their homes. If you leave the same old, dirty filter in year round you are cycling dirty, allergen-filled air through every room in your home. You should change or clean your air filter at least every three months to keep the air clean and find some allergy relief.

Choose blinds instead of drapes. If you have drapes and curtains to keep the sunlight out, then you probably have home allergens. The fabric holds particles and dust quite easily, and if you don't wash them regularly the allergens keep piling up. Blinds are a more allergy-free option because they don't hold particles as easily and can be dusted. If you must have curtains, makes sure they are machine washable, and that you wash them regularly.

Install room air filters. If allergies are a serious problem for you and you want to take a strong preventative measure, you can place room air filters throughout your home. These machines filter the air around them to pull out dust and allergens and then put cleaned air back out. They only work for the room they are in, so you may need several to offer greater allergy relief.