‘Tis season … for allergies. While springtime announces its arrival with reawakened greenery and flowers, it also brings pollen and mold. You’ll soon feel the effects of itchy watery eyes, sneezing, and a scratchy throat. Common allergens are tree and grass pollens, and springtime showers cause the mold count to soar. The severity of your allergies will dictate whether you need prescription treatment or if OTC products will suffice. To aid in managing your allergies, there are steps you can take to reduce the levels of mold and pollen in your apartment.
Keep your apartment clean
Frequent vacuuming and dusting will remove surface dust, dust mites, and dirt. If you have pets, keep them brushed and sweep and vacuum up hair that they shed. You can add a HEPA filter or special filter for pet hair to your vacuum. Pick up an economical box of disposable microfiber dust cloths at a big box or hardware store. They are easy to clean with and since you throw them away, they don’t harbor dust and you don’t have to launder them.
Minimize moisture levels
Don’t run the shower for extended periods and use proper ventilation. Dehumidifiers also help remove excess moisture from the air. You can find high-quality, reasonably priced tabletop humidifiers at big box stores and online. Buy two or three to place around your apartment.
Keep your bedding and soft furnishings clean
Wash your bedding, curtains, and other soft furnishings weekly to remove dust mites, dead skin cells, and pet dander. Wash and dry in the hottest temperature possible without damaging the items. You can also find allergen covers for your pillows and mattresses.
Keep the windows closed
While it’s nice to let in some fresh air, it can exacerbate your allergies. Keep the windows closed and run the AC on warm, humid days to improve indoor air quality.
Buy an air purifier
You can buy medium-sized economical air purifiers for your living room and bedroom. Check that they use a HEPA filter and run those to capture mold, dust, and dander. If you live in an older building or area that is exposed to a lot of dust and dirt, ask your property manager about the possibility of having your ducts cleaned. Just note that it might be an expense that you’re responsible for.
While seasonal allergies are unpleasant, they don’t need to be debilitating. By following your doctor’s recommendations, and taking precautionary measures inside your apartment, you’ll be breathing easier. As we move into summer, the pollen and mold counts will drop, and you can resume enjoying your favorite outdoor activities.
Explore a Vision Community Apartment
At Vision Communities, we provide you the space that you can make your own. Our floor plans are spacious and bedrooms come with spacious closet space. Our property management teams work hard to create living spaces that are headache-free and places you’ll want to come home to. We have floor plans that provide your personal space and spacious common areas for you to hang out with your roommate and friends. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC.
Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live.