5 Steps to Fight Winter Allergies

Winter rolls around, and you start sneezing and coughing again. You might think it's a cold, but it could actually be winter allergies. While we know pollen brings misery to allergy suffers in spring and summer, being trapped inside with animal dander, dust mites, and mold spores all winter can also trigger allergy attacks. Over 50 million Americans deal with allergies every year, and if you're one of them, the following steps can help you fight them.

1. Vacuum With a HEPA Filter

Image via Flickr by WordRidden Ideally, you should avoid wall-to-wall carpeting in your house if you suffer from allergies. However, if you don't want to replace all your flooring, your best bet is to keep your carpets as clean as possible. To do so, invest in a good vacuum with strong suction and a HEPA filter that will prevent dust from getting kicked up in the air. Aim to vacuum your carpets twice a week, and consider steam cleaning once or twice a year to get any allergens trapped deep in the carpet. If you do have hard floors in your house, mopping twice a week is very effective at banishing dust.

2. Monitor Humidity Levels

A hygrometer, which is a tool that monitors the humidity level in the air, is helpful for making sure the air inside your home has the right amount of moisture. When the air is too humid, mold and mildew can grow and irritate your allergies. However, if the air is too dry, it can irritate your throat and nose. Strive to keep your indoor humidity levels below 50 percent, and use a humidifier or dehumidifier to adjust as necessary.

3. Wash Bed Linens Frequently

Considering you spend around eight hours every night in bed, you want to keep this area as free of allergens as possible. To kill dust mites that might be living in your bed linens, you should wash them once a week in water that's at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also try to keep as many allergy triggers out of your bedroom as possible. This means that plants, pets, and rugs should stay in another room.

4. Have Your HVAC System Thoroughly Cleaned

Hiring a professional to do an extensive cleaning of your HVAC system will clear out dust, mold spores, and other contaminants that collect in the unit and ductwork. Not only does this prevent your system from spreading these irritants around your house every time it runs, it also helps your system run more efficiently, which can lower your energy bills.

5. Bathe Pets Once a Week

To cut down on pet dander, bathe your pets once a week. Doing so more often will dry out your pet's skin and cause even more dander to shed. If you're the one who suffers from allergies due to pet dander, have another family member or a groomer do the bathing for you.
Dealing with winter allergies is never enjoyable. However, with these tips you can keep those irritants at bay and fight the effects of allergies. Image via Flickr by WordRidden