Little changes can go a long way!
Your home is your sanctuary – unless you’re allergic to it. Dust, mould, and pet dander are unfortunately common allergens at home that can leave you sniffing and sneezing all day long.
If you’re tired of these allergens running you ragged, we’ve got you covered with tips to keep them at bay, along with product recommendations to mitigate those reactions.
1. Look for products with HEPA filters
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If airborne allergens are the bane of your existence, products with HEPA filters are your best friend. These air filters are made with a fine mesh that can trap even the smallest particles. So yes, that means cleaner, particulates-free air that won’t get you sneezing like a trap balloon.
Don’t know what kind of products to get? Here are our recommendations:
Air purifiers
Source: Cosmo Prime
These babies are a must-have for allergy sufferers. The Levoit Air Purifier and Cosmo Prime purifiers are highly-lauded for its affordability and performance, while those who want fresh air on the go should consider the Quair Plasma Mini Wearable Air Purifier.
Vacuums
Source: Shark Clean Singapore
Don’t just get any vacuum you see! You can end up kicking back all the allergens that you were supposed to be cleaning up, causing yet another round of itching and sneezing.
Instead, look for vacuums that come with the HEPA filtering technology. One such example is the Shark Cordless Vacuum Cleaner IZ202, which also comes with a self-cleaning brush roll that keeps the bristle brush-roll hair-free – perfect for sucking up pet hair and dander.
2. Stick to allergen-resistant flooring
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Thick, fluffy rugs sure look good, but they’re a breeding ground for allergens like mould and dust. Your best bet here are hard surfaces like vinyl and tiles, since they don’t trap moisture and are easy to clean.
However, if you’re dead set on getting a carpet, be sure to pick a low pile rug or one made from polypropylene, as their shorter weaves leave less room for allergens to settle in.
3. Choose allergen-free houseplants
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As lovely as they are, some plants produce pollen that triggers an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, most flowers fall into this category, as do bonsais and ferns. Some allergy-friendly (and easy-to-care) alternatives are:
4. Avoid fabric upholstery as much as possible
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Fabrics tend to have large pores that tend to trap allergens, so the best alternatives are leather-type materials. Unlike fabrics, these materials have smooth surfaces, meaning that there aren’t any pockets of air for allergens to settle into.
If you’re still keen on getting fabric, consider the hypoallergenic types that have smaller pore sizes, like silk or natural cotton.
5. Choose hypoallergenic materials for your bed
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Are your allergies worse in the bedroom? It could be because of your beddings. Since you’re spending roughly ⅓ of your day on it, the warmth and moisture create optimal temperatures for dust and mould to build up.
Apart from regular washing, you can also mitigate this buildup by getting hypoallergenic bed sheets and pillowcases. Bamboo sheets are just about the best type of bed sheets you can get since they don’t retain any moisture, but you can also consider microfibre sheets for a more wallet-friendly option.
6. Invest in a dehumidifier to inhibit dust and mould growth
To make your home less hospitable to these allergens, you need a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels at home. The ION Purifier is one affordable option that, according to the reviews, is quick to suck in excess moisture in the air to minimise the humidity.
Explore: How To Reduce Humidity at Home? Try These 6 Easy Ways
7. Keep your home ventilated
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Nobody likes a stuffy home, and it’s not just because of that musty smell. The stale air is also the result of a buildup of moisture and mould – which makes it ripe for allergens to settle in or grow.
Solving this is simple: keep your home well-ventilated. For most people, it’s easy enough to do, considering that all you need is 1) a ceiling fan, and 2) to leave your windows open as much as possible. But if you’re living on a lower floor (or if there’s construction going on nearby), the latter would probably invite more dust and pollen into your home.
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To solve this dilemma, keep your windows closed – but invest in fans and air purifiers to keep the air clean and fresh. This purifying fan from Dyson can kill two birds with one stone, since its inbuilt carbon and glass HEPA layers are great at sifting out allergens while keeping your home well-ventilated.
Hey there — just so you know, all products listed in this article are independently curated by us. By clicking and purchasing from Shopee links, you will help to support our research and work by allowing us to earn a share of sales — here's a big thank you in advance! Do note that prices listed are accurate as of 16 September 2021.
Keep your home allergen-free today!
Allergies can be frustrating, but you don’t have to suffer forever. The first step to improving your quality of life begins by allergy-proofing your home – which you now can do with these tips in your possession!
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