For many Americans, spring equals allergies. Itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, congestion—it’s enough to make you want to skip the season altogether. But with these five steps from DIY Network, you can help reduce allergens in your home and find a brief respite.
➊ Remove clutter: Less stuff means fewer
places for allergens to linger.
➋ Clean the air: A well-ventilated house is your first line of defense. Use HEPA filters in your air conditioning system, maintain the humidity at about 50 percent and keep your
windows closed when pollen counts are highest in the early morning and between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
➌ Clean the bathroom: Mold tends to
gather there.
➍Reduce dust-generators: Fabrics and
carpeting create dust by breaking down fibers. Swap carpets out for washable throw rugs.
➎ Make smart landscaping decisions: Avoid planting trees such as maple, birch and ash, which have allergenic particles that can trigger discomfort.