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Is your home to blame for winter allergies?

Is Your Home to Blame for Winter Allergies?

 

 

We usually think of allergies in the spring, where the blooming environment brings tortuous pollen with the warmer weather. But allergies exist throughout all seasons, including the winter. While you don’t have outdoor allergens during the winter, there are several indoor allergens that could be culprits of your sneezing or stuffy nose. Below we’re sharing some common causes of winter allergies and how to tackle them!

Dust Mites

Dust Mites are one of the most common indoor allergens and they generally thrive in humid rooms and in temperatures of 60 to 85 degrees. To avoid excess dust mites, clean, vacuum, and dust regularly! Wash your sheets and linens weekly in hot water to remove any dust mites. If you find that dust is lingering, check out GroomedHome’s awesome dusting hacks for super thorough dusting!

 

Pets

Pets that shed can add to indoor allergies and further agitate the air quality in your home. Bathe and groom your furry friends regularly and be sure to vacuum often!

 

Dry Indoor Air

Turning on your heat will create drier air and will dry up your nose and skin! If the dry air is particularly irritating, try adding a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

 

Mold

Indoor mold tends to grow in damp and dark environments (such as basements) and can cause allergies and illness. Treat mold with a cleaner containing bleach and consult a professional for larger patches of mold. BUT it could also be mildew! Check out our post on Mold vs. Mildew and how to eliminate both!

Is This Mold or Mildew?

Mold or Mildew | Dianne Perry & Company Blog

 

Is this mold or mildew? Is this something serious or can I clean it myself? You’ve probably asked yourself these questions before and you are not alone. Mold and mildew are similar in nature and can be easy to confuse. Both are fungus, and both thrive in moist environments (you’ve most likely wondered about a spot in your bathroom).

 

Here is how you can differentiate between mildew and mold:

  • The appearance of mold is usually slimy and fuzzy (mold is what appears on rotten food). It is typically red, green, blue, and black in color.

 

  • The appearance of mildew generally looks like a powder and is more gray and white in color.

 

  • Mildew is often found in and around showers, bathtubs, sinks, toilets and even bathroom walls. Mildew, particularly in bathrooms, is incredibly common regardless of how you may clean.

 

  • Mold is more often found on ceilings and walls. Toxic black mold usually grows out of sight and in a damper, darker environment. Toxic black mold requires a lot of moisture over a long period of time to grow. Often, an unknown water leak can cause toxic black mold.

Mold or Mildew | Dianne Perry & Company Blog

Preventing mold & mildew:

  • Eliminate as much moisture as possible. Steam from hot showers is one of the most common sources of moisture, so it is particularly important to use a ventilation fan and keep interior doors open to enhance airflow.

 

  • Use a cleaner! If you notice small spots, scrub the surface with a cleaner that contains bleach (be sure to wear gloves and avoid contact with the skin and eyes).