Itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezes! It's not the warm welcome we hope for during summer. For many, this season brings both long days and the unwelcome onset of summer allergies. Moreover, it underscores the challenge of maintaining optimal indoor air quality to combat those pervasive allergy triggers.
So let us begin the battle for a cleaner, healthier indoor environment with these 5 easy steps. These measures address summer and indoor allergy concerns while improving your home’s air quality.
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A Quick Fact! Interestingly, the concept of summer allergies, typically understood in countries with four distinct seasons, doesn’t directly apply in Singapore. Why? Thanks to our tropical climate, Singapore has a relatively constant warm climate all year round, with wetter and drier spells. The driest periods in Singapore typically occur in late February to early April and June to September. These periods bring their own set of challenges for those sensitive to indoor allergens. |
Step 1: Maintain Cleanliness
Dealing with summer allergies starts with a clean home.
Here’s a tip:
Always make it a point that your home’s cleanliness is always maintained. You may use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture the smallest dust particles, pet dander, and other common indoor allergens prevalent during the summer. Plus, dusting the surfaces of your furniture and fixtures daily with a damp cloth can help these allergens from becoming airborne, thus addressing indoor allergy concerns and indoor air quality.
Beddings are often overlooked battlefronts in the war against indoor allergies. Wash them weekly with hot water to kill dust mites. Consider investing in allergen-proof covers for your mattresses, pillows, and duvets. This will improve your defence against summer allergy triggers, thus enhancing your indoor air quality.
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Common indoor allergens include:
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Step 2: Control Humidity
Did you know that dehumidifiers can be your best friend in battling summer allergies? By maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30-50%, these devices inhibit the growth of mould and dust mites.
Your air conditioner can also help filter the air, reducing pollen entry when windows are closed. Together, these appliances form a dynamic duo in controlling indoor air allergens and maintaining ideal indoor air quality during summer.
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Summer allergy symptoms include:
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Step 3: Improve Ventilation
Why not open your windows to allow fresh air in? This way, you can mitigate the impact of summer allergy triggers and enhance indoor air quality. Just keep an eye on those pollen counts to avoid indoor allergy symptoms.
Additionally, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove pollutants. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can again protect against indoor allergy triggers, making it easier to breathe during these warmer months.
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Keep track of alerts about SG air quality... Check with NEA for information about Singapore’s air quality. They provide real-time data through their website, mobile applications, and social media. |
Step 4: Reduce Pet Dander
To safeguard against summer and indoor allergy triggers while improving indoor air quality, limiting pets’ access to bedrooms and other frequently used areas is crucial. Bathe them regularly to reduce the dander they shed. Investing in some pet-friendly beds also helps in keeping allergies at bay.
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Pet dander is more than just hair… While pet hair is not precisely an allergen, it can collect dander, saliva, and urine, all of which are allergenic. Thus, the presence of pet hair can indirectly contribute to allergic reactions. |
Step 5: Mitigate Mould Growth
Controlling moisture is critical to preventing mould, a notorious summer and indoor allergy trigger. Repair any plumbing leaks or areas of water intrusion ASAP! A simple water and detergent solution can effectively remove mould growth on surfaces. This step helps reduce the presence of mould spores that can contribute to indoor air quality issues. Trust us, your sinuses will thank you!
Other Summer Allergy Remedies To Note:
Beyond these 5 steps, consider these home remedies and practices to alleviate allergy symptoms.
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors.
- Use a saline nasal rinse.
- Stay hydrated.
- Limit exposure to smoke, strong odours and chemical fumes.
- Select indoor plants such as spider, peace lily, snake, bamboo palm,dracaena and Boston fern. These tropical plants are excellent choices for allergy sufferers.
These steps can promptly help manage allergies and ensure a healthier indoor environment during summer and beyond.