Even though most allergens are relatively harmless, they can still wreak havoc on your immune system. If you don’t keep allergens out of your home, then your family is going to struggle with itchy eyes, sore throats, and runny noses. Here are some steps that you can take to turn your windows into allergen barriers.
Sanitize the Windowsills
Instead of wiping down the glass and windowsills with harsh chemical cleaners, you might want to try making your own natural cleaning solution. A 50/50 blend of tap water and vinegar will remove most germs and dust from your windows. Before cleaning the windowsills, you should test the mixture on a small area to make sure that no discoloration occurs.
Replace Caulking and Weatherstripping
For fixed windows, you should replace the caulking at least once every two or three years. You also need to inspect the caulking once every few months for cracks and pinholes. Windows that can be opened and closed are typically sealed with weatherstripping. High-quality weatherstripping should last for at least three years unless you live in a particularly dry or hot climate.
Use Shutters Instead of Curtains
Even if you regularly clean your curtains, fabrics tend to trap airborne allergens. Interior window shutters are much easier to clean, and they can be painted to match any color scheme. Once the window shutters have been installed, you can clean them with the same mixture of vinegar and tap water.
Place Air Purifiers near Open Windows
Putting an air purifier near your bedroom window could alleviate your allergies if you like to sleep with the window open during the spring and summer months. Smaller air purifiers are relatively inexpensive, and many models trap over 99 percent of all airborne contaminants. When shopping for an air purifier, you should choose a brand that uses HEPA filters.
Keep an Eye on the Allergy Forecast
Many different organizations will send daily allergy forecasts to your email address or smartphone. Those forecasts take dozens of variables into account including the heat, humidity, local flora, and time of year. Whenever you get an allergy or asthma alert, you should close all of the windows throughout your home. You won’t ever be able to keep all of the allergens out, but closing the windows should improve your family’s comfort.
Those who struggle with severe seasonal allergies might also want to consider installing a whole-home air purification system. Those systems can be quite an investment, but their filters will remove almost all airborne allergens, toxins, and contaminants.