LANSING, Mich. — More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. Indoor air is 5 times more polluted than air outdoors. Here are some ways for you to take actions to control the air inside your home.
Clean the air
- Proper ventilation and non-leaking ductwork will prevent allergens from getting into your living space.
- Use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter in the air conditioning system.
- Keep the humidity levels in your home at about 50 percent as mold like moisture, dust and pollen are easily stirred up in dry air.
- Keep your windows closed when pollen counts are highest: early morning, midday and in windy conditions.
Remove Clutter
- The less clutter you have in your home the fewer places there are for allergens to hang out, and the easier it will be to thoroughly clean each week.
- Focus on bedrooms as you and allergens tend to spend more time there.
- Get rid of old rags, newspapers and limit knickknacks to prevent dust from collecting and to allow for easy dusting.
Clean the Bathroom
- Mold is a common allergen that you can prevent by frequently cleaning walls, pipes and fixtures with a nontoxic cleaner.
- Inspect pipes for leaks and fix promptly.
- Check that your ventilation fans are routed to the outside and run for 30 minutes after a shower or bath.
Reduce Dust Generators
- If allergies are extreme consider removing curtains, high-pile carpet and all upholstered furniture: all cozy accommodations for allergens.
- Damp mop regularly, clean walls and other surfaces regularly.
Landscape Smart
- Choose trees, shrubs and plants that produce a low amount of airborne pollen.
- Consider planting more hostas, astilbe, impatiens, columbine or violas in your flower gardens.
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