Tips to Reduce Apartment Allergens

There are all sorts of allergens lurking inside your apartment. They act as triggers for millions of people who suffer from breathing issues due to allergies, asthma, and COPD. You may not be able to eliminate all these triggers, but there are several things you can do to minimize them. Check out our simple tips to reduce apartment allergens so you and your family can breathe easy.

Apartment Allergen Triggers

Every apartment has a certain number of allergens. It is impossible to keep them out of your home or eradicate all of them. They invade your home through open doors and windows. They hitchhike on pets and your clothes. Some of the worst allergens are harsh chemicals which are in the manufacture of household cleaning and personal care products.

To reduce the allergens in your apartment you must recognize which ones affect your family, you are better equipped to take steps to reduce them. Certain things may be classified as general allergens, but that doesn’t mean anyone in your home is affected by them. You or a family member may have triggers that don’t bother others. Here is a list of some of the most common household allergens.

Natural Triggers

• Dust
• Dust Mites
• Animal Fur
• Pet Dander
• Pollen
• Mold
• Mildew
• Cockroaches
• Insect Droppings
• Rodents

Commercial Allergens

• Cosmetics
• Skin Care Products
• Perfume
• Latex
• Hair Dye
• Styling Products
• Cleaners
• Air Fresheners
• Scented Candles
• Nail Products
• Laundry Products

The examples above are nowhere near a complete list. They are some of the more common allergens. You can drastically reduce most of these allergens with simple, inexpensive measures.

Simple Solutions

The most obvious and effective plan is to completely remove those triggers from your apartment. That is very simple in some cases. Use non-toxic cleaners and throw out your harsh chemically based cleaners. You can also make them homemade in your kitchen from all-natural ingredients.

Create a chore chart and designate responsible parties. Place it on your fridge or on the wall for all to see. Make sure these tasks are completed routinely on time, every time.

Use a vacuum to trap dust and dust mites. A rag dampened with a non-toxic cleaning solution will also trap those allergens. Use baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils instead of harsh chemicals to make kitchen concocted cleaners.

Vinegar is safe and effectively kills germs. The smell completely vanishes once it dries. You must simply spray the surface and allow it to sit a bit longer before rinsing it or wiping it up.

Mark a date on your calendar to replace the air filters in your heating and cooling units. Wash your bed clothes at least once each week and your curtains once each month. Place a spray bottle with diluted vinegar in the bathroom and spray the shower down every time you bathe. Wash your pillows and stuffed animals about once per month as well.