It’s springtime, and that means we are spending more time with Mother Nature. If your allergies act up when you’re outside, you might tend to stay indoors, but what happens when your home could actually be making your allergies worse?

Here are 15 ways you can help keep allergens at bay in your home. If you’re extra sensitive to dust, remember to protect yourself by wearing a dust mask so you’re not inhaling everything you’re trying to remove!

• Try to keep your home’s temperature around 70 degrees. Overly warm houses tend to attract dust mites and mold.

• If you have a basement, use a dehumidifier to reduce dampness.

• When it’s warm, avoid opening windows; you’ll just be letting all the outdoor triggers, like pollen, inside. Rely on central air or a portable air conditioner to cool your home. Remember to clean or replace small-particle filters in these systems once a month.

• Keep window frames and sills clean from condensation.

• Consider purchasing an air filter that has a small-particle or HEPA filter.

• Many people use chemical sprays around their doors and windows to prevent insects. To remove residue that often accompanies these sprays, vacuum carpeting and wipe down surfaces.

• If you have carpeting, you might want to consider installing hardwood or linoleum flooring, which is easier to keep clean with just a damp mop. If that’s not possible, make sure to vacuum weekly (and don’t forget about area rugs).

• Keep upholstered furniture to a minimum as they harbor dust. Buy items made of easy-to-clean materials like wood or metal.

• Reduce the amount of dust collectors such as knickknacks, figurines and other items that may grace tables and shelves.

• Wash all bedding every 1–2 weeks and use covers that prevent dust mites on pillows and mattresses.

• Still have wallpaper in your bathroom? Install tile or paint the walls with mold-resistant paint.

• Inspect plumbing fixtures, shower curtains and bathmats for mold.

• While cooking, use your stove’s exhaust fan to remove fumes and reduce moisture.

• Not planning on eating those leftovers? Toss out expired food to to avoid mold growth in your refrigerator. Then empty your trash to avoid multi-legged visitors.

• Avoid smoking or using wood-burning fireplaces, because smoke can aggravate your allergies.

No one wants to be allergic to their home, but that could be what’s happening if you find yourself sneezing, congested or experiencing other symptoms, just by sitting in your living room. Consider these tips for your weekly cleaning and especially for major seasonal cleaning to keep your home fresh and your nose happy.

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Posted by:  Carlson Mortgage – a Saint Louis mortgage broker.  Our Home Loan Experts can be reached at (314) 329-7314 seven days a week. Let us be your source for some of the lowest interest rates in St. Louis on conventional, FHA, Veterans (VA), USDA, Jumbo and HARP 1.0 and 2.0 loans. We have 8 years of experience providing mortgage services that are tailored individually to your unique needs and to your financial situation. We speak English, Spanish and Russian. Call us today!

Original Article can be found here: 15 Ways to Prevent Allergies Inside Your Home