SLO County Market Update &  “Reduce Indoor Allergens″

Spring on California’s Central Coast brings blooming beauty, but for allergy sufferers, the region’s mild, coastal climate can mean year-round exposure to pollen, dust and mold. While the temperate weather is ideal for indoor-outdoor living, it also allows common allergens to thrive. In this edition, we’ll explore effective ways to allergy-proof your home—so you can breathe easier and enjoy the changing seasons.

*INTERESTING FACT –

SLO County has more than 250 wineries growing more than 40 different wine grape varieties.

Reduce Indoor Allergens in Your Home

**Pollen counts are highest between 5 and 10am. If you suffer from allergies, try to avoid the outdoors during these peak-pollen times.

Habits

• Humid, hot houses are breeding grounds for dust mites and mold. Maintain an indoor temperature between 68° F and 72° F and keep relative humidity no higher than 50% to help control dust mites and reduce mold growth.
• Use air conditioning and keep the windows closed as much as you can to avoid pollen being blown inside.
• Use an exhaust fan during baths or showers to reduce moisture.
• Wipe your feet well at the door before entering your home and take shoes off outside.
• To reduce allergens, try to keep pets out of the bedroom.
• When dusting, clean from top to bottom to avoid spreading dust on areas you already  cleaned. Use a damp microfiber cloth to trap the dust.

Flooring:

• Damp-mop hard flooring and vacuum carpets weekly.
• Choose washable rugs, cleaning them in the washing machine regularly. 

Ventilation:

• If you use a dehumidifier, clean them out once a week.
• Clean or replace filters in central heat and cooling systems and in-room air conditioners at least once a month.

Bathrooms:

• Scrub shower curtains and bathroom tiles with mold-killing cleaners. 
• Clean mold from toilets, sinks, showers, tubs and faucets with bleach.

Bedding:

• Wash your bedding every week (pillow and mattress covers every 3 weeks) in hot water.
• Depending on the kind of pillow you have, it can be washed or dry cleaned every 3 to 4 months. 
• Clean your headboard and bed frame, especially if either is covered in fabric.

Dust:

• Make sure you remember to dust ceiling fans, blinds, the tops of doors, windowsills and frames. 

Pets:

• Bathing pets at least once a week may reduce the amount of allergens in the dander they shed.

Products & Tools

• If possible, wood or other hard floors that can be dusted and mopped are preferable to carpet. If that isn’t an option, choose low-pile carpet options.
• Encase pillows and mattresses in dust-mite-proof covers.
• Use a bagless vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.