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Air pollution and allergies
Air pollution and allergies can be tricky to get your head round. Most of the time you never actually notice them, so they can’t be much of a big deal, right? Well they can easily mount up, so here are a few of the main ones to look out for and where to find them.
Pets
Yep, as much as we all love our furry companions, allergens just seem to be drawn to them. Usually they’ll be hiding in your pet’s hair and saliva, and they can even end up in a bird’s feathers.
There are number of ways to keep on top of this. A good air purifier will keep the air in your home free from the bad stuff your pets drag in, and a vacuum with a HEPA filter will trap all those allergens hiding in the carpets. Look out for the Dyson V10 Animal, the perfect cleaning tool for any animal lover. Also, make sure to wipe down all the surfaces in your home, and give your pup or kitty a good bath every now and then.
Pollen
You might not know that there are three pollen seasons throughout the year. Yep, this fine powder occurs in Spring from the trees, and then spawns through the grass in the Summer, before showing up in late Summer through weeds. Anyone sensitive to pollen will likely notice hay fever symptoms such as itchy eyes, blocked nose and a sore throat.
Simple ways to treat it are by keeping the windows closed during mornings and evenings when pollen levels are high. Also wash your hair regularly and put your clothes on a high temperature wash at around 60° to get rid of any pollen hanging on to you. If you want to go that extra mile, then a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter will make sure pollen doesn’t overstay its welcome in your carpets and floors.
Dust mites
Dust mites are a tricky beast as you can’t actually see them. They like to tuck up in your bedding, furniture and carpets so they can feast on dead skin. Anyone who is allergic to dust mites may experience hay fever symptoms or a rash, and it can also aggravate asthma.
To keep on top of dust mites, the humidity in your home should be at 50% or below, as they thrive in humid spaces. A dehumidifier will help with this. Vacuuming won’t get rid of them alone, but a steam cleaner will keep your floors dust mite free. Finally, wash your bedding at a temperature of 60° to wipe out anything you don’t want hanging about.
Mould
No one likes mould. It looks gross, smells gross and can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Mould thrives in condensation, so it can be found around windows and in kitchens and bathrooms were steam occurs. Anyone can be affected by mould, but especially people with asthma or breathing problems.
The best way to treat mould is to make sure your home is well ventilated; a dehumidifier will suck away all the moisture so mould can’t pop up. When you’re cooking, have the extractor fan on to stop steam from turning into condensation. The same goes for when you’re showering too. Regularly clean your kitchen and bathroom as well as hidden areas around your home such as door seals on your washing machine and fridge.
Test your knowledge
- What are indoor allergens?
The most common indoor allergens are pollen, dust, mould and pet allergens.
- Why are my allergies so bad in my house?
This could be a number of things. Your house might be too dusty, or you might have an influx of pollen or allergens dragged in by pets. In any case, opening windows to properly ventilate your home as well as giving it a proper clean should help.
- How do I improve indoor air quality?
Cleaning and ventilating your house can help improve the air quality in your home. Alternatively, a good air purifier will filter out all the pollutants from the air, so you only get the good stuff. For more in depth advice, check out our article here.
- Do air purifiers help allergies?
An air purifier with a HEPA filter will help rid your home of pollutants and allergens that may be affecting your allergies. When the air is sucked in, the HEPA filter will then trap any unwanted pollutants, before releasing the nice clean air back into your home.
- Which air purifier is best for allergies?
Look out for air purifiers with a HEPA filter, they’ll help get rid of any bad pollutants that are affecting your allergies.
- What are the signs of mould in your house?
There are a few signs to look out for such as a musty smell in your house and black stains around window frames, sinks and shower areas. Also, if you find yourself with a cold that won’t go away, or your allergies aren’t easing off, this is another sign that you may have mould in your house.
- How do I find hidden mould in my house?
Plumbing leaks can cause mould, so take a look at any dry walls that may have been exposed to flooding or have pipes behind them. Also check behind and around the sides of your fridge freezer and washing machine. Essentially you want to check all hidden spaces that could have high humidity levels, as this is what mould thrives off.
- What should I do if I suspect mould in my house?
Small cases of mould can be dealt with quite easily as long as you have the right cleaning products. But, if you are dealing with a serious case of mould such as an infested wall, then it’s better to call in for professional help.
- What is a HEPA filter?
HEPA filters are a high-quality filter used in some air purifiers and vacuum cleaners. They are designed to remove at least 99.97% of particles from the air. This means they can get rid of pollutants and allergens.
- What attracts dust mites?
Dust mites tend to be found in your bedding and upholstery; this is because they’re attracted to the dead skin that falls off us when we sleep. The best way to deal with them is by washing your bedding regularly as well as keeping on top of the dusting. Also maintaining good humidity levels in your home will keep dust mites at bay.
- How can I make my house less dusty?
Cleaning surfaces regularly and keeping your house well ventilated by opening windows will help you get rid of dust. A good air purifier with a HEPA filter will also trap dust particles leaving the air in your home fresh and clean.
- Does vacuuming remove dust mites?
Not really, a good vacuum will certainly get rid of dust particles, but not dust mites completely. However, a steam cleaner will.
- What are the symptoms of house dust mite allergy?
Symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes can be a result of dust mite allergy. A blocked or itchy nose and a cough are also be symptoms.
- Does humidity make allergies worse?
Humid air can be harder to breath as it feels thicker and heavier, this in turn can trigger asthma. Too much humidity can cause mould in your home, which can also make allergies worse.
- How can I keep my house pollen free?
An air purifier will help get rid of any pollen in the air. But it’s also recommended to keep windows closed when the pollen count is high, which is usually in the morning and late at night. Also, washing your clothes and having showers regularly will remove any pollen that has latched on to you.
- What time of day is pollen worst?
The pollen count is at its highest during mornings and evenings.
