7 things to throw away if you’re prone to allergies

Sad, as it may make you feel...

It’s unfortunate that something so small can beget such strong reactions from our bodies. But for millions of people around the world, allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites are like death sentences. They can trigger sniffling, sneezing and itching and the worst part is, they seem to be everywhere. They can even be lurking inside your home.



If you’re prone to allergies and want to minimise your risk factor, then let’s get to it. As compiled from Health magazine, here are 10 spots around you that might be playing host to allergens of different kinds. Toss them out already.

That stuffed panda bear you’ve had since childhood

When it comes to harbouring allergens, fake animals are just as bad as real ones. This is because dust mites are the most common indoor allergens and can survive on a steady diet of human skin cells. “Every time we hug a stuffed animal, we’re feeding the dust mites,” says Stephen Canfield, an allergist at Columbia Doctors Midtown in New York City.

Fortunately, you don’t have to toss your teddy - or your kids' stuff toys. Just make sure to wash them once a week in hot water.

Your pillow

We spend about six to nine hours a day sleeping, which means that the bed is a major source of dust mite exposure. Experts recommend keeping your pillow (and mattress) covered in a special allergy-proof covering — ideally one that’s labelled “mite-proof.”

“These casings are made of a tightly woven cloth that doesn’t allow dust mites to settle into the fabric,” says Dr Canfield. If you can't find that special cover, make sure to wash your bedsheets and pillow cases every three days to avoid contact with allergens.

 



Your office plant

Guess what? Mold also thrives indoors, especially in damp places like the soil in potted plants. Spores from the indoor varieties can travel through the air in any season and the only way to ward them off is by getting rid of the moisture.

Your shaggy throw blanket

Fake sheepskin blankets might be super soft and trendy but they’re also exceptionally good at accumulating dust mites. Because the critters often live in textile fibres, allergy experts recommend using “low-pile” material that is made up of short, tightly-woven fabrics. These harbour fewer dust mites than longer, shaggier threads

The same rules apply for area rugs and carpeting. In general, solid flooring is the least hospitable environment for dust mites.

Your super-cushy couch

Dust mites don’t just lounge in bed all day but also live in thick furniture fabrics. Therefore, it is best to steer clear of velvety materials and opt for smoother, thinner materials. “Leather is probably the least allergenic material,” says Dr Canfield.

Those old papers on top of your filing cabinet

Cleaning out clutter is one of the best things you can do to reduce dust. Dr Canfield recommends storing knick-knacks and old files in sealable boxes. Also, you should go through them to see if you really need all that clutter in the first place.

Your vacuum cleaner

A super-cheap vacuum may keep your floors clean, but if it lacks a suitable filter, it may be time to invest in a new one.

Vacuuming can kick up dust particles that have been living in the carpet and a good quality filter prevents those from re-entering the air. But these filters can be expensive. Check them out only if you notice an uptick in your allergy symptoms while vacuuming.

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