Suffer from mould and dust mite allergies? Reclaim your life with these 6 simple steps to allergy-proof your home!

If you suffer from allergy problems, chances are you’ve already spent a small fortune on antihistamines, supplements, eyedrops… You name it, you’ve probably got it. But all the treatments in the world won’t give you much allergy relief if you’re living in a virtual allergy minefield! Bedding, furnishings, carpets, fur-kids, even the air you breathe - all of these things can harbour nasties which can create havoc for allergy sufferers. But making changes to your home environment can make one humongous difference.

Best of all, allergy-proofing your home is natural, safe and extremely effective. So let’s do this!

1. Think about your next home location

First up, let’s look at where you live. Now, some desperate allergy sufferers are willing to do anything, even pick up and move home to find relief from allergies. But this is not always practical – or recommended. The fact is, some of these people will find they develop new allergies in their new surrounds.

So take a deep breath and take “move home” off your list.

Now, you can exercise common sense caution if looking for a new home: avoid living near freeways, major roads or industrial parks. The reason? Environmental urban chemicals, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone can worsen allergies.

2. Minimise dust and dust mite allergy triggers

If you have a dust mite allergy or a dust allergy, what you clean, and how you clean are both important. Whether you want to keep your dust mite allergy symptoms at bay and want to know how to kill dust mites, or if you are simply allergic to dust, the following tips will help.

Bedding and furnishings:

• Purchase allergen-impermeable covers (dust mite covers) for both your mattress and pillows
• Wash sheets in hot water – at least 130° to kill dust mites
• Minimise the use of wall-to-wall carpets and instead choose wooden floorboards, concrete or tiles
• Sleep on synthetic bedding materials rather than wool or feathered bedding, which can encourage dust mites in the bed

House cleaning tips:

• Vacuum often – either with a double layer microfilter bag or a HEPA (high-efficiency particle arrester) filter
• When dusting, always use a damp cloth as a dry cloth stirs up the dust
• Wear a dust protective mask while cleaning to avoid inhaling any stirred up dust
• Eliminate any fluffy toys, dried flowers, wicker baskets, wall hangings and curtains

3. Meet your new best air-purifying friend: the Salin Plus Salt Therapy device

An air purifier could be your new best friend if you suffer from dust or dust mite allergies. The Salin Plus device helps allergy sufferers in two ways: it simultaneously removes allergens such as dust, dust mites, pollen and pet dander from the air (like a regular air purifier) while also releasing tiny salt particles into the air. Once inhaled, the dry salt particles help soothe the respiratory passages and eliminate mucus.

The device is easy to use. Lightweight, quiet and compact, just plug the device into a wall and place it near your bed. The daily recommended usage is 6 to 10 hours, so it’s perfect to use at night while you sleep.

Salin Plus has two devices available: the regular device, Salin Plus Salt Therapy Device,supports a room of up to 150 m³. The smaller device, Salin Salt Therapy Device, supports a room of up to 40 m³, so it’s perfect for small rooms and offices, and a brilliant travel companion!

Both Salt Therapy devices areavailable online here. There’s a 60-day money back guarantee for the Salin Plus device and free shipping for all orders over $50 within Australia!

4. Minimise Mould Allergy Concerns

Keeping any moisture in the home at bay is imperative for those with a mould allergy.

• Check all ducting, pipes and taps for leaks
• Regularly air enclosed spaces such as bathrooms and wardrobes
• Ensure that any clothes dryers are vented to the outdoors
• When first turning on the air conditioner, leave the room for several minutes, while leaving the windows open, to allow mould spores to disperse
• Invest in a dehumidifier or air conditioner to ensure that your humidity levels remain below 50%. You can measure humidity levels in your home with a simple hygrometer

5. Fight fur kid fiascoes (a.k.a. pet allergies)

• Where possible, keep your four-legged – and feathered friends outdoors. If this is impossible, or not desirable, make sure Smoofie and Snuggles don’t enter your bedroom – or sit on your bed!
• After touching your pet, wash your hands and clean your clothes to remove pet dander
• Reduce airborne dander with an air purifier like Salin Plus
• Wash all fur-kids regularly with soap and water
• Vacuum and dust regularly

6. Say goodbye to garden allergies

Your garden may have a strong impact on your allergies, so it’s important to consider what and where you position your plants and trees:

• Before you purchase any new plant, check to see if you are allergic to them or if they are renowned allergy causing plants. If existing plants are causing problems in the garden, consider removing them.
• Consider hiring a gardener to prune trees and mow the lawn. If this is not possible, always ensure that you’re wearing a mask and gloves. Wash thoroughly afterwards.
• Always keep the doors closed while the lawn is mowed.
• Position potentially troublesome trees and plants away from the house, preferably with the wind blowing the pollen away from you.
• Try to organise outdoor activities after there has been heavy rain, which minimises pollen levels.
• Check your garden for any decaying debris, avoid working with peat, mulch, or deadwood, as this can cause problems due to the mould.
• Likewise, try to avoid raking leaves or mowing the lawn, as these activities will exacerbate pollen allergies.

Without a doubt, taking the time to allergy-proof your home is time well spent. But if you don’t make the effort, life will continue to be an uphill battle, rather than a walk in the park - or should we say – a saunter through a sniff-free zone.