Living in Florida has many benefits. Our climate and beaches are a few of the top reasons why many call Florida home. However, if you are an allergy sufferer, it can sometimes make life frustrating, especially when you want to enjoy the outdoors. Sometimes, our own homes can be the source of many problems for allergy sufferers.
Don’t feel helpless. There are precautions you can take for your home and your tenants to help them make it through some of the brutal Florida spring seasons where pollen seems to endlessly cover everything.
The Mayo Clinic offers some of the following advice when it comes to allergy proofing your home.
Curtains and blinds. Use washable curtains made of plain cotton or synthetic fabric. Replace horizontal blinds with washable roller-type shades.
Windows. Close windows and rely on air conditioning during pollen season. Clean mold and condensation from window frames and sills. Use double-paned windows if you live in a cold climate.
Furnishings. Choose easy-to-clean chairs, dressers and nightstands made of leather, wood, metal or plastic.
Air filtration. Choose an air filter that has a small-particle or HEPA filter. Try adjusting your air filter so that it directs clean air toward your head when you sleep.
Furniture. Consider replacing upholstered sofas and chairs with furniture made of leather, wood, metal or plastic.
Fireplaces. Avoid use of wood-burning fireplaces or stoves because smoke and gases can worsen respiratory allergies. Most natural gas fireplaces won’t cause this problem.
Stove. Install and use a vented exhaust fan to remove cooking fumes and reduce moisture. Most stovetop hoods simply filter cooking particulates without venting outside.
Cabinets and counters. Clean cabinets and countertops with detergent and water. Check under-sink cabinets for plumbing leaks.
Ventilation. Install and use an exhaust fan to reduce moisture while taking baths or showers.
Floors. Remove carpeting and use tile, vinyl, wood or linoleum flooring. Use washable rugs.
Walls. Remove wallpaper and install tile, or paint walls with mold-resistant enamel paint.
Shower and tub. Towel-dry the tub and enclosure after use. Scrub mold from tub, shower and faucets with bleach. Clean or replace moldy shower curtains and bathmats.
Toilet and sink. Scrub mold from plumbing fixtures. Repair leaks.
Foundation, windows and stairwells. Check for and repair any sources of leaks or water damage.
Air quality. Use a dehumidifier to reduce dampness, and clean it once a week.
Clothes dryer. Vent moisture outside.
Temperature and humidity. Hot, humid houses are breeding grounds for dust mites and mold. Maintain temperature between 68 F (20 C) and 72 F (22 C) and keep relative humidity no higher than 50 percent.
Pests. Control cockroaches and mice with inexpensive traps from the hardware store. If that’s not effective, hire a professional exterminator.
Mold. Close doors and windows during warm weather and use air conditioning and dehumidifiers.
Following these steps may not completely eliminate your allergy symptoms, but it is sure to improve your conditions and help give some relief.