Combating Allergies in Your Columbus Home

Pollen and other allergens are unavoidable outdoors, but if you're having trouble with your allergies inside your home, it's time to do some interior detoxing. Allergy season started early this year, and the Columbus movers want to make sure you are prepared and able to breathe easy despite the seemingly increased presence of allergens.

Wash your bedding. This might seem a no-brainer, but you should be washing your bedding at least once a week. Wash sheets, pillows and covers in hot water at least once a week. If you are allergic to dust mites, encase your pillows and mattress in dust mite proof covers.

Clean your curtains. Heavy drapes and window dressings can harbor loads of dust, dirt and allergens. Vacuum them with the hose attachment and hand wash them in cold water.

Love your feather duster? It's time to pitch it! Dusting should be done with moist cloths to catch dust, where feather dusters simply spread dust particles around the room.

Keep shoes by the door. Tracking in dirt and other outdoor particles is an easy way to irritate your allergies. There could even be pollen on your shoes! According to the EPA, the bottom of your shoes can have pollen grains, mold spores, grass, ragweed, pet dander, and more—all of which are germs and allergens. Place a shoe rack next to the door and ensure anyone who comes in places their shoes there.

Unclutter your home. Magazines, mail, paper and collectibles are all dust harboring items. Clean these out of your home regularly. Less stuff means less places for dust to cling to!

Vacuum your home with a HEPA filter once a week. A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter traps very fine dust particles that other vacuum filters only re-circulate these particles back into the air of your home. Yuck!

On the subject of filters, your air conditioning filters should be cleaned at least once per month, more frequently if you notice dust building up. These are all allergens and dust particles pumping into your home—get rid of them. Your air ducts should be inspected as well. Clean ductwork equals better air quality and less allergens floating around.