Allergens can make day-to-day living difficult for many people. Pollen, dust and mold are just a few triggers that can infiltrate our homes and irritate our sinuses. While taking the fight to allergens can be difficult, it’s far from impossible. Here are a few tips you can use to win this invisible war:

Door Mats

If anyone in your family wears shoes in the house, cease this practice immediately. Set an outdoor shoe rack where everyone can keep their footwear. Enforce this rule for guests as well. Dirt and dust getting tracked in your home is an easy way for allergens to spread. You can also purchase door mats for your entryway to help in this regard. Natural fiber options are best here, as they last the longest. Be sure to clean the mats on a regular basis, as they collect a great deal of mud, dirt, and dust from the outdoors.

Clean or Get Rid of Carpets

Wooden floors are a staple in many households, but a great deal of people often cover them with wall-to-wall carpeting. Unfortunately, carpets are a haven for trapping dirt and dust, and need to be cleaned regularly so as not to exacerbate allergies.

First, vacuum all your carpets carefully; you may want to use the brush head to dislodge any dust, hair, or fur. Then, use a stiff scrubbing brush in one direction to pick up any debris that may have been left behind. You may want to vacuum the fabric once more. If possible, try not to have too many carpets in your home.

Mold

Many people are allergic to mold, and this organism can easily cause problems in a home. Mold thrives in humid environments, and it’s commonly found in bathrooms. There are over 100,000 types of mold, and there is a chance that at least one of them is in your house.

It is always best to prevent mold growth in the first place. You can control mold growth by cleaning wet surfaces, regularly caulking sinks and tubs, and ensuring that the ventilation systems of your home are well-maintained. If you notice water damage around the house, get it tended to immediately.

New Vacuum Cleaner

It’s good practice to check the age of your vacuum cleaner, especially if it might not be a model that has a HEPA filter. These filters are designed to trap particles that are as small as 0.3 microns. An older vacuum would likely be ill-equipped to deal with these particles.

Air Filters

All modern homes have HVAC systems that keep you warm during the winter, and cool when summer comes around. The systems have air filters that prevent dust, dirt and pollen from collecting. Consider having new air filters delivered, especially if it’s been a while since you changed yours last. All HVAC systems require regular maintenance to stay at peak performance.

You don’t have to keep waging war against allergens. The points discussed above can help you deal with pollen, dust, dirt, mold and more.