10 sources of allergies in your home
Are you allergic? Well, be careful, because the sources of allergies lie in wait for us everywhere. Allergic triggers such as mold, dust, and animal dander can lurk in the most unexpected places. So, let's find out about the top 10 sources of allergies that can be right under your nose.
1. Indoor plants.
Be very careful with them. Mold can grow in pots and move onto the floor. To prevent this from happening, trim off dead leaves and use flower pot trays or saucers to keep the flowers from getting watered.
2. Pets.
Yes, we love them, but sometimes they can be a nuisance. Allergies are often associated with pets, but their fur is not always the main cause. The main source of allergies is a protein found in the saliva, urine and dander of animals, which, by the way, flies everywhere and lands on our carpets, furniture and beds. Wool can be a source of allergies if it collects allergens such as dust or pollen. Keeping the pet out of the bedroom only helps in part, because the allergens quietly "roam" around the house, moving through the air. Tip: Vacuum your apartment often and wash your hands after playing with your dog.
3. Carpets and rugs.
Carpets and rugs in the house can play a role that, perhaps, you did not even suspect. They collect dust and become a home for mites - a very well-known source of allergies. To get rid of this problem, you can clean the apartment with vacuum cleaners with a HEPA filter or simply throw away old carpets. Humidity in the room should not exceed 55%. In addition, you need to regularly ventilate the rooms.
4. Books.
Your brain food is potential pest food. Book dust can hide mites, mold and other similar microorganisms. If you suspect that your allergy is caused by books, try vacuuming the covers or keeping them in a closed bookcase. Lowering the humidity in your home and removing dust will also help reduce the number of dangerous microorganisms.
5. Upholstered furniture.
Oooh, this is the favorite residence of ticks. Vacuum furniture regularly. On leather and vinyl coverings, allergens develop less frequently. In addition, furniture that you tossed into the basement can also become a great habitat for mold. Dehumidifiers can be used to reduce humidity levels.
6. Bed.
In it, you spend up to eight hours a day (and some more). Therefore, many particles of dead skin gradually accumulate on the sheets, which attract ticks. The main solution to this problem is to buy anti-allergic mattresses, duvet covers and pillows. Also wash your bedding every week at a high temperature. It is better not to buy pillows and bedding that cannot be washed.
7. Soft toys.
Yes, they also attract a lot of mites. Of course, you should not throw them away, but it is better to buy only those toys that can be washed. As with linens, soft toys that your child often plays with should be washed weekly at a high temperature.
8. Bathroom.
The bathroom can be an ideal "residence" for mold, because there are all the conditions for its growth: it is warm and humid here. Black mold forms in hidden places under the floor. It is best to keep your bathroom clean and dry. Repair valves and other water sources if they are leaking, as leaks increase humidity. Clean surfaces regularly with bleach.
9. Kitchen.
Mold's favorite place in your home is the kitchen. Feel free to throw out stale food from the refrigerator, because it can become moldy. Cover trash cans and keep food in covered containers to keep insects out.
10. Conditioners.
Air conditioners help our home stay cool and also filter out allergens from street dust and pollen. However, it is air conditioners that can become the main source of allergies, due to those allergens that remain in the filters. To get rid of this problem, you need to clean the filters regularly. Also, once a year, call a specialist to treat the air conditioner with a disinfectant.