5 Simple Ways to Fight Allergies

Did you know that air quality may be worse indoors than outside? Here are a few of our tips to reduce indoor allergens so that you can get back to breathing easily!

1. Cleaning Products

Are you still using traditional cleaning products? They can contain ingredients that are damaging to your health and may be triggering your allergies, especially if they contain artificial fragrances. Fragrance-free, non-toxic cleaning products are much healthier for you and the environment. We recommend these. 

PRO TIP - Always make sure that product labels say fragrance-free, rather than unscented. You may be surprised to learn that these two terms are not interchangeable! Fragrance-free means that no fragrances have been added to the product, whereas unscented means that fragrance agents have been added to mask any odors. These masking fragrances (and artificial fragrances in general) are typically made from phthalates, which are reproductive and developmental toxicants.

2. Vacuum

Make sure your vacuum has a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. Unfortunately, most vacuums are unable to trap the tiny airborne particles that trigger allergies. HEPA filters use a very fine mesh, which is able to trap pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and dirt, meaning that less of these allergens end up back in the air.

PRO TIP - Some non-HEPA vacuums can be converted to HEPA by simply changing the filter, like this one.

3. No Shoes

Have a shoe-free policy in your home. We bring an immense amount of dirt and allergens into our homes after being outside, and a lot of that is on our shoes! You can easily lessen the amount spread around your home by leaving your shoes by the door. 

4. Air Conditioner 

Make sure AC filters are cleaned regularly. This easily overlooked spot is where allergens love to hide! Just remove the filters from your AC, vacuum the excess dust, and run them under water until they are clean (make sure they are completely dry before putting them back). 

5. Bathroom

Clean your bathroom regularly. Mold loves the humidity and lack of ventilation in bathrooms. When cleaning your bathroom, make sure to use a disinfectant rather than an all-purpose cleaner to ensure that mold spores and bacteria are eliminated.

PRO TIP - Don’t forget the shower curtain! Wash it consistently. Most shower curtains can easily be tossed in the washing machine.