Breathe Easier With 7 Tips On Preventing Household Allergens

This #FreeToBe shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. As always, my dust busting allergen opinions are mine alone. 

We all know that parenting doesn’t come with instructions. Even books I read on what to expect, were more like reference manuals to actually explain what just happened. And just when I do think I’ve finally gotten this whole motherhood gig? That’s pretty much when skin prick allergen tests come back positive. 
And all at once you’re thrown right back into the wash of unknown dilemmas. No longer are just stains your worst laundry concern. Nor is sensitive skin and eczema the only hoop we need to carefully navigate. Now there is red bumpy proof that tree pollen and dust mites are culprits to avoid as well.

Truth be told, there are more than likely a barrage of allergens that we all would do better without. And as I braced myself for new allergen restrictions; I was relieved that the doctor didn’t recommend much beyond what I was already doing. I was actually quite thrilled to tell you the truth.

For starters…I didn’t have to change my laundry detergent! And it’s important to note that all® free clear is not intended to treat or prevent allergies. And yes, this IS a sponsored post in collaboration with them. But it was already used in our battle with eczema, so I have long been impressed with it. Which made tackling these new allergies easier.

I’m also happy to share that it was awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the National Eczema Association (for having no dyes, perfumes, certain chemicals, and irritating residues). Beyond its ability to be gentle on skin, it’s also great for removing 99% of those everyday and seasonal allergens. This includes:

• Cat and dog dander
• Dust mite matter
• Ragweed
• Grass
• Tree pollen

And now you know why all® free clear is the #1 detergent recommended by dermatologists, allergists, and pediatricians. Available in both a laundry liquid or all® free clear Mighty Pacs, I love stocking up when I’m shopping at Meijer. And it’s great to have the advantage of choosing variable (small to bulk) sized packages.
Having both, my large load of laundry use the all® free clear Mighty Pacs for the perfect non-measured wash. And I save the all® free clear detergent for better soap ratio’s (and stain treating) during smaller washes, using it as directed. And this preference simple makes my laundry room feel more funtional.

And while you’ll need to wash your pillow, sheets and bed linens in HOT water to kill embeded dust mites. I was thrilled that all® free clear detergent works just as well in cold water. Because in general, I cold wash our clothing. Hence…one laundry soap to wash them all.

Another great thing to add real quick, is the all® free clear dryer sheets. Because honestly in the world of fragrance free, the battle with static cling is real. Lightly perfumed, these are perfect for keeping our bed linens smelling fresh.

So beyond my (obvious) laundry exuberance. Just how do you prep a house for new tree pollen and dust mite allergies? First…do not freak out. Allergies happen people. And this is where prevention is the key. So walk through your house with me, and see where you can easily make the best changes for your allergen-free lifestyle.

1. Take off shoes by the door.

Are you guilty of walking through your house wearing shoes? Tracking in pollen from outdoors will beome your worst enemy. So set up a bin system, rack, or outdoor mat to deposit shoes and boots as soon as you enter your home.

2. Use Hepa Filters for better indoor air quality.

Many may find they already employ this great tool! Make sure your vacuum, furnace, air conditioner, and room sized air filters all make use HEPA quality filters. Fun fact? After deep cleaning, dust mite matter can stay in the air for up to 2 hours afterward. Use the filters people.

3. Rugs and wood floors over wall-to-wall carpeting.

Not everyone can easily give up carpeting. And this is where your Hepa filter vacuum will come in most handy if that’s the case. However when possible, avoid carpeting and choose wood or alternate flooring where washable rugs can be used instead. This helps eliminate where dust mite matter, dander, and pollen can collect.

4. Use hypoallergenic pillows and mattresses.

Reading about pillows and dust mites will make your skin crawl. Knowing that dust mites are close relatives of ticks and spiders will make you rethink the joys of crawling into bed. But pillows and mattresses are a haven for dust mites. Prep yourself with purchasing hypoallergenic pillows and mattresses. And regardless of hypoallergenic status, cover your pillows and mattresses in tightly woven, allergen barrier bedding and covers. Then wash them weekly in HOT water with your linens.

5. Your new best friend…the steam cleaner.

With all you do to protect your bed, don’t forget about your funiture and curtains. Using a steam cleaner will allow heat to penetrate and clean your couch, chairs, and misc large items. This dry heat will not only clean but also kill the microscopic dust mites waiting to snuggle with you during that next cat nap.

6. Get to know your dehumidifier and/or air conditioner.

As with mold, dust mites love humidity! Keeping your home at a humidity of less than 50% will keep your home in a zone that dust mites don’t find hospitable. Personally, I don’t use an air conditioning unit, so getting a dehumidifier is the last step for us to finish allergen proofing our home against dust mites.

7. Embrace clean-sheet-day.

Everyone has an opinion on how often to change your bed linens. When your fighting dust mites, you’ll need to change your sheets and pillow cases no less than once a week. Wash linens in HOT water. The dryer will allow for additional heat to kill remaining dust mites. And if pollen isn’t an issue, know that sunlight kills dust mites as well. So line drying your linens on a sunny day is also an option.

Now…do you feel better about creating an allergen friendly house? Don’t let all this be an overwhelming list either. Start with one thing and begin to incorporate your family into this new aspect of living. Which the easiest place for me to begin was the laundry room. Are you ready to begin your journey with all® free clear too?