2021 has been a terrible year for seasonal allergies. This isn’t just anecdotal; it’s allergist confirmed. And allergies aren’t just a spring and summer problem — they’re also an issue during ragweed season in the fall and winter. The vast majority of individuals have experienced that itchy, hazy feeling multiple times throughout the year. Eyes become red and puffy, sinuses become tight with pressure, and headaches and sore throats are more likely to set in.
There are a variety of tips and tricks that can help combat those less-than-ideal allergy symptoms during the winter, which we’ll highlight in this article. Many of the remedies can be done easily at home without buying expensive filters and air purifiers.
Aren’t Allergies a Spring Thing?
When we think of allergies, thoughts of springtime and pollen are often what immediately come to mind. Indeed, springtime allergies are a direct result of pollen as flowers and trees begin to bloom. Although spring pollen isn’t as present in the fall and winter, ragweed is out in abundance. Ragweed is a type of weed that releases up to one billion grains of pollen. This pollen can travel up to two miles through the air, causing many to experience severe allergies in the fall and winter. In addition to ragweed, many are also inhaling mold that forms on wet leaves and dust mites that enter the air as we turn on heaters and furnaces.
Fortunately, apartment dwellers have several options to reduce allergy triggers and irritants in their homes. Follow these tips to make your apartment as allergen-free as possible:
1. Use an Air Conditioner Instead of a Fan
A fan blows dust mites, pollen, and ragweed through the air in an apartment, triggering allergy symptoms. Opt to use an air conditioner instead of a fan to keep the air in your apartment clean and free of allergens.
2. Wear a Mask When Cleaning Your Apartment
Dust mites and ragweed cling to surfaces and enter your nose, eyes, and mouth when you move through your apartment. Although cleaning every day isn’t the most ideal activity, keeping all surfaces and fabrics in the apartment as clean as possible will help significantly reduce your allergy symptoms. Wear a face mask when cleaning your apartment to avoid inhaling dust mites, keep the air conditioner on, and – if possible – leave your apartment for an hour or two after cleaning to allow any residual dust to settle. Clean all surfaces with a microfiber rag that clings to dust, mop the floors, and vacuum the carpet, which particularly attracts dust mites.
3. Vacuum with an Allergy-Friendly Vacuum
Cheap vacuums that don’t have a HEPA filter could put more dust in the air, doing more harm than good. Before buying a new vacuum, ensure that it is a certified asthma & allergy friendly® vacuum. All vacuums on this list have been tested to ensure allergens are not going back into the air. Try to vacuum at least once or twice per week and, if you have machine-washable rugs, try to wash those in hot water two or three times per month (or more if you have pets).
4. Wash Couch Covers, Bedding, and Pet Items in Hot Water
Many Draper and Kramer apartments come with an in-unit washer/dryer, which will particularly come in handy during fall and winter allergy season. Dust mites thrive on sheets, blankets, and pillowcases, so it is important to wash all bedding in hot water once per week. Purchase allergen-proof covers for all non-washable items including comforters, pillows, and mattresses. Allergen-proof covers can be purchased at Amazon, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, and the AllergyStore. In addition to bedding, wash all stuffed animals and stuffed pet toys in hot water to eliminate dust mites, ragweed, and allergens.
5. Scrub Mold Buildup in the Bathroom or Kitchen
Mold has a strong effect on allergies and can significantly contribute to sneezing, puffy eyes, and scratchy throat symptoms. If you notice mold building up in your bathroom, you can use bleach, white vinegar, or baking soda to remove it. Bleach should only be used if you have white tiles, as it will cause the color on tiles to fade. Be sure to wear a mask when cleaning with bleach, preferably an N95. Fill a spray bottle ¾ of the way with cold water and fill the rest of the bottle with bleach. Spray directly onto the affected area and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. The mold should fade on its own, but if it doesn’t, take a toothbrush or scrubbing brush to eliminate the mold and rinse with water. Alternatively, you can spray white vinegar directly onto the area as a natural solution. Allow the white vinegar to sit for 30 minutes and then scrub it away with a brush and rinse with water. Lastly, you can use half a cup of baking soda and several teaspoons of water to create a paste. Allow it to sit for ten minutes, and then scrub the mold with a brush and rinse with water.
6. Consider Purchasing an Inexpensive Dehumidifier
The drier an area is, the less likely you will feel allergy symptoms. An easy way to check the humidity in your apartment is by stirring a few ice cubes into a glass with water. Wait three or four minutes, and then check the moisture on the glass. If water condenses on the outside of the glass, the humidity levels in your apartment are too high, which could be contributing to your allergy symptoms. Investing in a dehumidifier is a great way to eliminate the humidity in your apartment and make the air drier. An air purifier with a HEPA filter is another great way to purify the air in your apartment, as the HEPA filter eliminates particles in the air that could be contributing to your allergies. VeryWellHealth did a review of the best dehumidifiers for allergy sufferers, and several of the options are less than $50 or $100.
7. Shower After Cleaning Your Apartment and When Returning from Outside
Take a shower after cleaning your apartment or spending time outdoors to remove the ragweed and other allergens that build up on your hair and skin. After showering, consider using these reusable moisture sponges to absorb excess moisture in the bathroom.
8. Keep Pets Out of Your Bedroom and Off of Furniture
Although we all love our furry friends being as close as possible, pet dander contributes significantly to allergy symptoms. Even if you have a hypoallergenic pet, all pets have dander which impacts allergy symptoms. Try to keep pets away from your bedroom and off furniture as much as possible and wash their bedding and pet toys with hot water once per week. Draper and Kramer apartment buildings offer an array of dog spa amenities, which help keep your furry friends clean and limit pet dander in your home.
