As winter gets into full swing in the Northern Hemisphere, people are beginning to spend more and more time in their homes. While this may ensure your stay warm and comfortable, for asthmatics, being cooped up can cause many breathing issues. If you'd like to live in a comfortably breathable environment this winter, consider the three tips below.
Reduce Dust by Controlling Humidity Levels
Dust is a combination of common household irritants and is a common trigger in individuals suffering from asthma and seasonal allergies. If you're asthmatic, reducing the humidity levels in your home can help to keep dust mites at bay, making your home more breathable.
Dust mites are only one small aspect of what dust is made of, but they're particularly triggering and can be easily controlled by removing their main source of life – water. When you keep the relative humidity in your home below 50%, you're making your home inhospitable to dust mites. Fortunately for you, forced air and other forms of heating help to keep your home's humidity levels low. A humidity meter can help to determine your home's humidity levels, and if they remain above 50%, the use of a dehumidifier can help.
Remove Unnecessary Carpeting
If you suffer from allergies or asthma or if you'd simply like to live in a home with less irritants in the air, the removal of unnecessary carpeting can help you to keep your home
You can't avoid all soft surfaces in your home, such as a mattress or a couch, but you can significantly minimize the area of soft surfaces by removing carpeting and instead opting for hardwood or tile. If carpet removal is not an option, remember that vacuuming your carpet does not count as carpet cleaning. In addition to vacuuming, you should also be steam cleaning every six months, at a minimum, and spot treating as necessary.
Use Furniture Covers for Quick and Easy Washing
While leather and vinyl upholstery are the best allergy-friendly alternatives, it isn't always possible to avoid other fabrics in your furniture, such as cotton or microfiber. Instead of spending a fortune on a new living room set, consider purchasing furniture covers as a cheap and easy alternative.
Leather and vinyl furniture covers are available in a number of shapes and sizes. Leather is a great option for couches and chairs, while vinyl is perfect for mattresses. Leather and vinyl are easy to keep clean and free of dust and are the healthiest option for individuals prone to allergies or asthmatic episodes. If you choose to forgo leather or vinyl and decide to stick with other fabrics, just be aware that they'll need to be cleaned more often.
For more information, contact The Regional Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center, PC or a similar location.
