5 Household Allergens and How to Address Them

Common household allergens can cause allergies and respiratory problems in your Myrtle Beach, SC, home. To tackle these allergens, maintain a clean living space by dusting and vacuuming regularly, and seal cracks to prevent pests. Here are some of the most common home allergens, their health effects and effective solutions to eliminate them:

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are commonly found in densely populated urban areas, schools and commercial buildings, but they can show up in various locations. Their presence doesn’t necessarily indicate a dirty living environment. Prevent roaches from entering your home by blocking all entry points such as crevices, wall cracks and windows.

Since cockroaches need water to survive, repairing and sealing leaky faucets or pipes helps to keep them away. Arrange for professional extermination when household members and pets are away to eliminate any remaining roaches. Store food in sealed containers, and remove pet food dishes once your pets have finished eating.

Clean the floor by vacuuming and sweeping after meals and regularly removing garbage and recyclables. Wash dishes promptly after use, and clean areas under stoves, refrigerators or toasters where crumbs accumulate. Regularly wipe down counters, cupboard shelves and other kitchen surfaces, including the range top.

Pet Dander

Pet dander can trigger allergic reactions and worsen asthma symptoms. Symptoms may include nasal congestion, facial pressure and pain and itchy, inflamed eyes.

Surprisingly, you can find pet dander in pet-free homes due to allergens that transfer to clothing, shoes and other belongings. A professional indoor air quality service tech can help you maintain a safe and clean home.

To effectively manage a pet allergy, minimize contact with cats or dogs by keeping pets out of your home and avoiding other places where you might encounter pets. If these measures don’t alleviate your allergies, consult an allergist for advice on other remedies.

Dust Mites

Control dust mites by keeping surfaces clean and uncluttered, especially in the bedroom. Opt for bare floors and walls and avoid wall-to-wall carpeting if possible. If you must have floor coverings, choose low-pile carpet or washable throw rugs.

Steer clear of heavy drapes and overstuffed fabric furniture. Choose roll-down shades or washable curtains for your window coverings. Use zippered, allergen-resistant or plastic covers on your pillows, mattresses and box springs to keep dust mites at bay.

Encasing mattresses is more beneficial than using air cleaners to reduce allergy symptoms. Make sure to wash your bedding, uncovered pillows and stuffed toys in water at least 130 degrees each week. Dry them using a hot dryer cycle to eliminate dust mites.

Biological Contaminants

Biological contaminants are prevalent indoor allergens that can impact you and your household. These minuscule spores flourish in damp surroundings and areas with excessive moisture. Allergies to biological growth peak in summer and autumn but can occur year-round indoors, causing allergic reactions.

To minimize your exposure to microbial indoors, try to maintain indoor humidity levels below 50%. Ideally, aim to keep humidity at 45% or a little lower.

Bathrooms, basements and laundry areas are particularly prone to biological growth. Inspect these spaces regularly and do what you can to minimize dampness.

Pollen

Pollen can be a persistent issue, especially when it infiltrates your home. To prevent pollen from entering your house, promptly change your clothes and shoes after coming indoors. Wipe down pets when they come inside, as their fur and paws can carry pollen.

Blocking doors and windows will also prevent this troublesome allergen from settling on furniture, countertops, floors and other surfaces. Additionally, regular cleaning of carpets and surfaces and using an air purifier can effectively eliminate pollen from your indoor environment.

Awareness and action are key to addressing common household allergens in Myrtle Beach, SC. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation and quality air filtration systems can reduce exposure to allergens. Contact our service techs at Warren-Hay Mechanical for clean and healthy indoor air quality and HVAC maintenance services.

Image provided by iStock