Decorating your home in a sensitivity-accommodating way is urgent for decreasing sensitivity side effects and establishing a sound climate. For sensitivity victims, even little stylistic theme decisions can have a major effect. The right fabrics, floors, plants, bedding, and more can limit exposure to common allergens like dust, pollen, and chemicals.
This comprehensive guide will give you some tips for decorating your living space allergy-consciously. Read on to learn useful strategies for designing an allergen-free oasis that the whole family can comfortably enjoy.
Choose Low Allergen Fabrics
Focusing on the sorts of materials in your house is quite possibly the main move toward sensitivity and cordial brightening. To restrict openness, pick cotton, material, and artificial materials for your furnishings, carpets, bedding, and other stylistic layout materials Cotton and cloth textures have smooth surfaces that stop the development of allergens. When washed regularly, items made of these natural materials stay fresh and allergen-free. Opt for cotton upholstery on couches and chairs. Use linen or cotton canvas for curtains. Cotton bedding is also a great choice.
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When cleaned habitually, engineered textures like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and microfiber can likewise hinder allergen development. These textures will more often than not be hypoallergenic. Microfiber sheets make comfortable and breathable allergy-friendly bedding.
Use Air Purifying Plants
Incorporating certain houseplants into your home décor can purify the air by trapping allergens and releasing oxygen. The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is a hardy evergreen perennial that removes toxins like formaldehyde from the air. Aloe Vera is a low-maintenance succulent that emits oxygen at night, helping you breathe easier. It also filters benzene and formaldehyde. Spider Plants are excellent air purifiers that thrive in bright, indirect light. They absorb pollutants like carbon monoxide and xylene.
Harmony Lilies are modest plants with dim green leaves and white blossoms. They sift through allergens like trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde. Place these pretty yet functional plants throughout your living spaces and bedrooms to boost air quality. Water and fertilize them as needed to maintain their allergy-fighting properties.
Avoid Scented Candles and Incense
While scented candles or incense may seem appealing, their fragrances and smoke can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. These products also often give off soot that pollutes indoor air. Instead, opt for the following allergy-friendly alternatives. Unscented candles still provide a charming ambiance without irritating allergies. Beeswax candles are a great natural option, as they burn cleanly without smoke. Essential oil diffusers allow you to enjoy subtle scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and lemon in your home without igniting wicks and releasing air pollutants.
Opt for Hardwood Floors
When decorating your home, installing hardwood floors rather than carpeting can make a big difference in cutting down on allergens. Hard surfaces like hardwood do not trap dust, pet dander, pollen, or other particles like carpets and rugs do. Here are some benefits of hardwood floors for allergy sufferers:
- Easier to keep free of dust, pet hair, and dander
- No hiding places for dust mites and molds
- Reduce the buildup of pollen dragged indoors
- Less likely to hold onto chemical fumes or odors
- Can be damp mopped regularly to remove allergens
Caring for hardwood also keeps allergens away. Vacuum or sweep regularly. For deeper cleaning, damp mop with a wood-safe cleaner. Avoid excessive moisture and steam mops which can damage floors. Follow with a dry mop.
Install HEPA Filters
Installing high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can drastically reduce airborne allergens. HEPA filters capture tiny particles like dust, dander, mold spores, and pollen that other filters miss. HEPA filters are most commonly used in ventilation systems, air purifiers, and vacuum cleaners. Place these appliances in allergy-prone spots like bedrooms, family rooms, and kitchens. Air purifiers with HEPA filters are beneficial on every home floor to filter allergens continually. Look for HEPA vacuum bags and filters, and change them regularly.
Choose Allergy-Friendly Bedding
Since you spend a lot of time in the bedroom, choosing allergy-friendly décor and bedding for this space is crucial. Certain fabrics are much more suitable for those with allergies. Avoid bedding that can trap dust vermin, dust, and dander. Search for hypoallergenic bedding produced using cotton, microfiber, bamboo, and polyester.
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Allergy-protective pillows and mattress encasings are also recommended to limit exposure to allergens. Wash bedding frequently in hot water. Avoid down and feather-filled duvets, pillows, and mattress toppers. These natural materials provide the perfect home for dust mites to congregate. The microscopic mite droppings cause allergic reactions in some. Synthetic down alternatives like polyester or microfiber are better choices.
Incorporate Faux Flower Arrangements
Fresh flower arrangements seem like a great way to brighten your home décor. However, pollen and fragrances from real flowers can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. A better option is to display realistic faux flower arrangements. High-quality silk and dried faux flowers are available that look nearly identical to real varieties. Faux flowers provide vivid color and beauty sans allergens without emitting any pollen or scent. When dusting, wipe down artificial flowers with a dry cloth or soft brush. To deep clean, spray with a fabric cleaner and let the air dry. Avoid submerging arrangements in water. Well-cared-for faux flowers can adorn your spaces for years without aggravating allergies!
Conclusion
Decorating your living space with allergy-friendly décor is one of the best ways to make your home comfortable and healthy for those with allergies. You might not be, but your friends, pets, and children you bring in later could be! Focus on choosing the right allergen-repelling fabrics, using air-purifying plants, displaying faux flower arrangements, and adding HEPA filters to make a comfortable and welcoming environment for everyone.
