Winter Allergies And Tips On How to prevent Them

Being one of Franklin's top carpet cleaning professionals, we see numerous families and business that could benefit from a little more knowledge about winter allergies.  Even if you find this article and it's not winter, this allergen education is helpful for all types of allergens at any time of the year. 

You see, part of our carpet cleaning service to the area is that we not only professionally clean the floors and air ducts in your home, but we also educate you to help you keep your home safe and clean and HEALTHY when we are not around.  Empowerment is key!

Winter Allergens

In the winter, the temperatures often plummet to levels that you would suspect would bring an end to all summer pollens and thus seasonal allergies.  However, millions of people actually suffer from what we call winter allergies and these are due to the allergens found in the home and the fact that more time is spent in the home during this time. 
The forced-air furnaces in homes often contain lint, bacteria, dust mite debris, food materials and animal dander.  Some of the most common indoor allergens are house dust mites, pet dander and cockroach excrement.  These allergens are worse in the winter usually because there is less ventilation.  With less ventilation in the home, the furnace blower continually recirculates tainted air. 

Symptoms of Indoor Allergies

• ​Sneezing
• Coughing
• Excessive Mucous and Phlegm
• Postnasal Drip
• Waking up with Puffy Eyes
• Headaches or Migraines
• Itchy eyes, nose or throat

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Some symptoms of indoor allergies will vary depending on where you live.  For instance, it is less likely that you would find high levels of dust mite allergens in an arid climate due to the lack of relative humidity.  Dry areas, such as those found in Colorado, would not be a suitable place for a huge population of dust mites to survive.  The most prevalent allergen in this area would more likely be from cockroaches and pet dander. However, if someone is using a humidifier in their home, dust mites could flourish.

How to Minimize Indoor Allergen Exposure

In order to minimize your exposure to indoor allergens during the indoor allergen season, you must take the approach of prevention.  Here are some ways to keep you home as allergen proof as you can during the winter months:

1. Keep the humidity of your home below 50%.  This will create an unfriendly environment for dust mites and help reduce their population.
2. Get rid of carpet in the home.  Carpet and rugs are phenomenal traps for dampness, and dander and create a wonderful environment for both dust mites and molds.
3. Keep pets out of bedrooms and reduce your contact with them.  This will reduce the amount of allergen you are exposed to.
4. Bathe pets on a weekly schedule to wash away any dander or other allergens they may have picked up.
5. Change you bed sheets, comforters at least once a week in hot water to reduce the dust mites that can harbor there.
6. Use new towels and wash old ones weekly.
7. Change your clothes and wash your hair after you play with a pet and prior to going to bed.
8. Do not use down comforters or pillows.  They create a superb environment for dust mites and are also allergens to some people. 
9. Use a damp mop to clean floors rather than a broom to keep dust  from being stirred up and airborne.
10. Wipe down wet surfaces in the home, such as those found in a kitchen or bathroom, to prevent mold from growing. 
11. Properly insulate your home to keep condensation from developing inside the home and reduce mold.
12. Hire a maid or cleaning service to do the dust and vacuuming if you have the allergies so you don't unnecessarily expose yourself to more allergens. 
13. Professionally clean your carpets to remove dust and debris from your home.  A good carpet cleaner in Franklin is avaialble right here!  Fill out our contact form or give us a call!  We offer air duct cleaning AND professional carpet cleaning services in Franklin and the surrounding areas!