Steps to keep your home allergen-free this spring

Q • What are the best ways to prepare my home for allergy season?

A • Spring is in the air, bringing beautiful blooms and pollen that can cause headaches for allergy sufferers. Take a few extra precautions to keep your home clean and reduce indoor allergens this spring.

Shutting windows and doors are not the only way to stop pollen and dust from coming inside. Choose the right air filter for your furnace to filter allergen particles. Several types and levels of filtration are available. Filters are rated using a Filter Performance Rating scale, with 1 being the lowest filtration level and 10 being the highest. For homes with severe allergy sufferers, use an FPR 10 filter to remove virtually all particles from the air when the furnace or air conditioner is running.

In addition to getting rid of airborne particles, it is also important to clean dust and pollen off of your surfaces correctly. Microfiber towels and static cling dusters hold the particles rather than releasing them into the air. The right vacuum can also make a big difference. Choose a sealed system vacuum such as the Shark Navigator to filter the air while vacuuming and stop particles from being released into the air. Be sure to stop dust, pollen and dirt at the door by using two doormats, one outside and one inside.

Spring showers and rising humidity levels outdoors create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew, especially in damp areas in the home. Mold spores are among the most harmful allergens and can be difficult to remove. Begin cleaning and treating for mold in the shower or bath, or anywhere that is wet for extended periods of time. Black spots often grow in the caulk or in crevices in your shower. Left untreated, the mold can grow into a much larger issue. Use a mold- and mildew-specific cleaner to immediately stop the growth of the mold. It is always a good idea to recaulk the area using a product with Microban to inhibit future mold growth. For other areas of the home, use a mold test kit to help identify problem spots.

Ensuring your home is clean and allergen-free during the spring can help allergy sufferers sleep better and provide a place to recover from the outdoors during the season. By following these steps, you and your family can have a more enjoyable spring at home.

Steps to keep your home allergen-free this spring