Spring time might be marked with eager anticipation by gardeners, joggers and sun worshippers alike, but as for those who suffer from asthma or allergies, this time of year promises misery.  During the winter months, most of the causes of allergy symptoms are dormant, but the warm weather beckons elements like pollen, spores and dust mites out of hiding.

Allergy symptoms often are compounded by the fact that during winter months, dust collects indoors because houses are shut up to conserve energy.  Most modern constructions act like a Tupperware container when the windows and doors are kept shut during cold weather.  Allergens that are tracked indoors on coats, shoes and even hair gather in corners and become concentrated. 

The dust within your home is a collection of various particles, and as the springtime air fills with pollen and spores, these are also added to the mix.  In addition, dust mites begin to thrive once the weather warms up and the humidity rises, creating a cocktail of allergen laden dust.

Here are 3 overall tips to keep your home allergy-free:

1.       Keep your home’s temperature low (between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit)

2.       Maintain low humidity (between 40%-50%)

3.       Make sure that you have good ventilation

When it comes time for spring cleaning, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Begin your cleanup with a thorough sweeping.  For allergic persons, it may be better to delegate this task to someone who is not affected.  Use a dust mask to keep most of the particles from finding their way into your lungs and stay clear of the vacuumed rooms for 20 minutes to an hour (until the airborne dust settles again).  Going over all of the surfaces with a damp cloth will remove all the settled dust.

• Try to all surfaces clutter-free to avoid dust buildup.  In closets, use large storage bins and plastic storage bags to keep your belongings dust-free.

• Remember to wash your curtains when cleaning up your home—they are usually overlooked and can collect a lot of dust and allergens!

• If you know that you are allergic to dust mites, or simply want to safe guard  your mattress from a mite invasion,  you might want to consider purchasing encasings for your bed and pillows.  Encasings create an impenetrable layer that will keep tiny dust mites from living deep inside your mattress and making your allergy symptoms flare up.

• If you have mild to moderate allergies, use an air purifier in your bedroom to remove any airborne allergens.  If you have more severe allergies or seek whole-house relief, you can invest in a air purification system for your entire house.  This will cut down on the amount of dust you have in your home in general.  For individual air purifiers, consider Dynamic Air Quality Solutions, who make the small CT100 model– or IQAir, makers of the Health Pro Compact.  For larger bedrooms, try the CT500 (for spaces up to 500 square feet) or the IQAir CG Multigas (for spaces up to 1000 square feet).  For a complete whole-house air purification system, visit My Air Purifier to take a look their customizable home solutions.