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How To Find Allergen Relief This Season
Start inside to protect yourself before heading outside
Shutterstock
Ah, spring. There’s not much you can do about allergens from the trees and flowers blooming outside. But there is a lot you can improve inside your own house. From dust to dander to pollen and fragrances, common allergens can crop up in any room. Here’s how you can reduce them.
Ditch the dust
Dust and dust mite matter are common household allergens. When cleaning, make sure dust is truly gone. Go over furniture, ceiling fans, and blinds with a slightly damp microfiber cloth, which traps dust instead of brushing it into the air. Vacuum items like sofas, mattresses, and curtains. Vacuums with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter are especially effective. They can remove 99.9% of dust, pollen, mold, and other airborne allergens, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Cover pillows with protective dust covers. Toss them into the washing machine regularly – every few weeks for pillowcases and covers, and every few months for pillows.
Replace air filters (or add them)
Make sure the air filters in your central air conditioners or other units are fresh. HEPA filters will do the most efficient job. Cut down on mold by using exhaust fans in areas of high moisture, like bathrooms. You can also add stand-alone air purifiers to rooms like bedrooms and living rooms. When outdoor air pollen counts are high, rely on air conditioning instead of opening windows and doors.
Minimize pet dander and pollen
Brush and bathe pets regularly to cut down on dander and shedding. When animals go out for a walk, wipe off their paws with a damp cloth before coming back inside. And regularly wash pets’ bedding and toys. If you’re especially sensitive, keep pets off beds and sofas.
Pay attention to your laundry detergent
Some laundry detergents contain cleaning enzymes, heavy fragrances, and dyes that can irritate sensitive skin. So, if you notice any irritation or sensitivities, err on the side of caution with a hypoallergenic product, like all® free clear. It removes 99% of top seasonal and everyday allergens* from clothes and other fabric. It tackles impurities – like dirt, body oil, and allergens – without leaving irritating residues for a clean that’s gentle on skin.
This spring, make your home a refuge by banishing dust, changing air filters, and cleaning up pesky pet dander. For clothes, bedding, and more, a hypoallergenic laundry detergent goes the distance. Make the switch to all® free clear.
Learn more about how all® free clear can make a difference during allergy season.
*Dog and cat dander, dust mite matter, ragweed pollen, grass/tree pollen. all® free clear is not intended to prevent or treat allergies.
Sources:
EPA: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-hepa-filter
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/in-depth/allergy/art-20049365
Cedars Sinai: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/cleaning-reduce-allergies.html
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