Top 7 things to do to reduce allergens in your home

Hi, my name is Dr. Kristamarie Collman also known as Dr. Kristamarie. I’m a Family Medicine physician, wellness enthusiast, and blogger based out of sunny Orlando, FL. In my practice, Prose Medical, I help treat people with allergies and also suffer from them too. Therefore, I thought it would be great to collaborate with Molekule Air to share a few ways we can reduce allergens in our homes.

1. Regular Dusting: Regular dusting around the home can help to get rid of allergy triggers such as dust and mites. Using a microfiber or damp cloth instead of a dry towel can trap allergens instead of spreading them into the air. Consider dusting areas such as living rooms, bedrooms, kitchen, and bathrooms.
2. Temperature Control: Controlling the temperature and humidity inside is important and may help limit allergens. Hot, humid houses can be breeding grounds for dust mites and mold. Maintaining a temperature between 68F (20C) and 72 F (22C) and keeping a humidity level of no more than 50% can help reduce their growth.
3. Consider a Room Air Purifier: Air purifiers can be useful to help capture and remove aggravating air particulates. An air purifier such as the Air from Molekule uses breakthrough technology to destroy pollutants, bacteria, mold, and allergens providing clean air. The devices have a 360 degrees air intake, capturing large particles in the filters while microscopic pollutants are safely destroyed by Molekule’s unique PECO process. In our living room, we use the Air Pro which has been extremely helpful in reducing air allergens in our home.
   
   
4. Out with the old: Consider getting rid of unnecessary clutter. All items inside the home can have a tendency to collect dust, however extra items sitting around can worsen the issue. Remove or store away un-used items such as clothing, books, boxes, and knickknacks.
5. Washing Bedding Regularly: Most people spend most of the night in their bedrooms, therefore keeping the bedroom allergen free is key. Various allergens can be present in your bedding (think dust mites) and even your mattress, aggravating allergies. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) recommends washing sheets, pillowcases, and blankets weekly in 130 degree water and drying in a hot dryer.
6. Reduce Pet Dander: We love to have our furry friends around however, pet allergens found in the saliva and the skin of cats and dogs is a common allergy trigger to which many are sensitive to. You can reduce animal dander by bathing pets weekly to reduce the dander they shed and vacuuming frequently. Other measures you can take include washing hands after petting your cat or dog and wiping their paws off with a damp cloth after walks outside in order to reduce the outdoor allergens they may bring inside the home.
7. Prevent pollen and allergens from getting in: As much as possible, try to keep windows closed to avoid pollen, a potent allergen, and others being blown inside. Changing your clothes when you come home can help to get rid of pollen which may have been picked up outdoors. Lastly, having a good quality doormat and removing shoes when entering the home can also help to limit dirt and allergens inside.

Remember there is no one size fits all approach, as allergens and remedies differ for everyone. I’d encourage you to examine you own home to find the most effective action item helpful for you. A few small changes can make a huge difference when it comes to controlling allergens in our environment.