Inexpensive Ways to Reduce Allergens

I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour conducted by Clever Girls Collective on behalf of Claritin®. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program, but all opinions are 100% mine.

When you have a family member who suffers from allergies, it can be tricky to keep them comfortable & healthy throughout the year. When nasal allergies are not under control, we end up at the doctor to treat ear & sinus infections.

Since I’m all about keeping our health care costs under budget, I’ll try anything to avoid a doctor’s visit is high on my priority list!

That’s why I was so excited to see a few new-to-me tips for controlling allergies at home. I’ve also got a few tricks of my own, after years of fighting allergies. Here are my favorite, frugal ways to reduce exposure to common allergens.

• Plan to do gardening and other outside activities later in the day to minimize exposure to allergens—it’s hard to keep the girls indoors all day, but we usually hold off our outdoor play for at least a little while.
• Gladiolas and peonies are good choices for low-allergy plants. Both are perennials, so you won’t have to spend money on your flower beds year after year.
• Plant both flowering trees and bold greenery instead of pollen producing plants in your garden. Claritin’s picks for trees low in allergens are flowering dogwood, double-flowered cherries and magnolia.
• Use microfiber towels to pickup dust & hair—check the automotive department at your favorite retailer for a low-cost way to grab common allergens during cleaning.
• Wash wet towels & suits quickly, to prevent mold buildup. Oh, the towels—water play is at an all-time high with the insane temperatures we’re experiencing right now. A quick load of wet clothing can avoid that musty smell and eliminate mold.
• Change your vacuum & furnace filters regularly. (Better yet, use a washable furnace filter to save money & reduce waste!)
• Run the bathroom fan throughout your shower & for 10 minutes after, to prevent moisture buildup & mold growth. A little bit of prevention will allow you to save money on expensive mildew cleaners.
• Clean your gutters & check drain spouts regularly to be sure they flow freely. This will keep your home free of mold, and help your gutters last longer.
• Check doors & windows for leaks—this will not only keep moisture & mold from coming inside but will keep your cool air from leaking outside!
• Wash bedding weekly—there is no need to replace everything with expensive, hypoallergenic items if you keep up on cleaning to prevent dust mites. This one definitely needs work around here! Especially now that the girls are bunking in the toy room most summer nights—I never remember to check their for dirty laundry & sheets.

For more tips on making your home and garden more beautiful, functional and allergy-friendly visit www.Facebook.com/Claritin. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.