D.C. spring is perfect in so many ways, except one, allergies. It’s full-on tree pollen warfare out there right now, and it’s not going away anytime soon. But we’re not completely helpless to Mother Nature’s whims. While you can’t control the seasons, you can control and reduce allergens in your home.
What Are Allergens?
Allergens are the antigens that trigger your body’s immune responses to fight off the perceived threats. Allergens often come in the form of pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. They can enter your home through open windows and on the clothes you wore outside.
After years of dealing with dreaded D.C. allergies we’ve put together room-by-room guide to setting up your home to be as sneeze free as possible:
🛌 Bedroom
- Wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets at least once a week, especially if your doggie who loves to play outside cuddles with you nightly (guilty!).
- Consider purchasing pillow and mattress covers that are hypoallergenic or dust mite-proof.
- Vacuum rugs regularly, particularly with a machine that uses HEPA filters.
🚽 Bathroom
- Ventilation is key for your self-care space. An exhaust fan will help reduce moisture buildup.
- Wash shower curtains and bathroom mats often. Spray and scrub surfaces weekly.
🍽️ Kitchen
- When was the last time you cleaned your fridge? Yeah, same. Scrub out the mold hiding in cracks and crevices, and replace moldy rubber seals around doors.
- If possible, install an exhaust fan over your stove to remove cooking fumes.
Don’t forget to change those nasty air filters. (TRAVELARIUM/Getty Images)
🛋️ Living Room
- Refresh your AC and heater filters.
- Consider placing air purifiers throughout the house. You can find affordable purifiers at your closest Lowes or Home Depot — or make your own air purifier.
- Avoid using wood-burning fireplaces as the smoke and gas can worsen respiratory allergies.
🏡 Everywhere Else
- Opt for synthetic fabrics for rugs, curtains, and blinds.
- Opening the windows is OK — but consider the time of day and wind speeds. Nighttime is typically the worst time to open windows. Check the pollen count during peak allergy season.
- Wipe down dog and cat fur with a towel or disposable wipes.
- Wash clothes after returning from outdoors.
- Check the soil of your indoor plants for mold growth.
- If you live in a humid region, consider a dehumidifier.
