Lucy Corkhill

By Lucy Corkhill

04th November 2012

An estimated 21 million UK residents are allergy sufferers and around 12 million people in this country are “allergic to their own home”. Keeping your home clean, clutter- and chemical-free, and airing it regularly will all help maintain a healthy environment. Here are ten tips to help keep your home fresh and allergy free.

Lucy Corkhill

By Lucy Corkhill

04th November 2012

Lucy Corkhill

By Lucy Corkhill

04th November 2012

Allergy UK is the leading national charity set up to support allergy sufferers and to offer specialised advice. They have a helpful definition of an allergy on their website:

“An allergy is the response of the body’s immune system to a normally harmless substance, such as pollen, food, or house dust mite. The body has an automatic reaction to what it sees as a threat, and while in most people these substances pose no problem, in those with allergies the immune system identifies them as a threat and produces an inappropriate response to them.”

Indoor Allergy Week from 12-18 Nov is organised by Allergy UK, after research showed that 12 million people in the UK are “allergic to their own home”, a figure that looks set to rise. Dust mites seem to be the leading cause for concern with 57.6% of sufferers attributing their symptoms to them. But chemical cleaning products are also culprits at 31.2%, higher than mould spores.

Ten ways to keep your home allergy free

1). Carpets can harbour dust mites – go for wooden or stone flooring. Check out Ethical Consumer’s listings.

2). Damp dust your home – a quick and easy way to clean surfaces and eliminate dust.

3). Compost any decomposing fruit or vegetables before they start releasing mould spores.

4). Air your home regularly (ideally daily) by opening all the windows and letting a breeze blow throughout.

5). If you are susceptible to hayfever, hang out inside (at least until midday) when pollen counts are really high. Catch up on reading, drawing, crafting, dreaming and playing together indoors.

6). Avoid chemical allergens found in cleaning products by only buying eco products or making your own.

7). Washing powder can be a huge irritant, try soap nuts.

8). Use safe, eco, allergen-free paints when decorating.

9). Stick to the principles of minimalism when decorating your home. Less clutter = less surfaces for dust and dirt.

10). Groom pets regularly outdoors to prevent them from shedding excessive hair in the house.

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