家居換新裝 擊退家中過敏原Changing Up Furnishings: How to Battle Against Hay Fever at Home

又到每年花粉症來襲的日子，最容易誘發各種惱人的過敏症。目前疫症蔓延，人們為安全起見減少外出，留家時間比以往長，家裡引發的過敏煩惱更易出現，以下貼士對防禦敏感很有幫助。

春季大掃除

消滅塵 ，由清潔做起。打掃家居所有表面及物品，清除塵埃。同時，使用籃子把物件分類，避免堆積雜物，物品及其新舊擺放位置要徹底清潔；可利用筆筒、儲物藤籃及裝飾紙盒分類，條理分明、一目了然。

厚地毯

不少人愛鋪地毯裝飾，但地毯是過敏原的匿藏地點，隨年月過去，成為塵 、寵物毛髮及其他過敏原滋生的溫床。建議移除厚地毯，以小地毯點綴家居，亦有助吸音，只要定期吸塵及配用專用清潔劑便可。

柔軟物品

軟墊與床褥容易滋生塵 ，引起過敏原，因此需要定時更換與清洗（床褥應每六個月翻轉一次）。亦要預備兩套攬枕、靠枕、抱枕及枕套等輪流使用，除了方便清潔，還令家居煥然一新，毋須一擲千金換新裝。

窗飾

應選用可清洗質料的窗簾布與百葉窗，較理想是用棉質，或以可清洗捲簾取代百葉窗。

寵物毛髮和皮屑

毛孩亦是家的一份子，要定期為其沖涼、刷毛，以及移除皮屑和過多毛髮。

家具

選購表面平滑的家具會易於打理，木材、金屬、皮革或塑膠皆可，但款式應配合設計與美感。

保持清潔

無論敏感季節或否，經常打掃都很重要，加上以目前情況來說，嚴厲的防疫措施是必要的。記得進入家門前脫鞋，避免把過敏原及細菌帶進屋內；入屋後要洗手，並用布擦拭手提電話、鑰匙、銀包、手提包等物件後才擺放原位，還要經常清潔廚房與浴室。

空氣過濾

在房間擺放空氣清新機，最好具備高密度纖維過濾層，或能產生離子或紫外線，以消滅塵埃、煙、氣味、過敏原、真菌孢子及寵物皮屑。

It is that time of year when hay fever comes along and makes many of us aware of our allergies. Although many may not be going out as much as usual, given the health and safety concerns of the moment, we are always exposed to it, whether it is indoors or outdoors. Here are some tips to help manage your home to prevent allergies.

Spring Cleaning

Whether it's allergy season or not, always wipe surfaces. The current precautions might be extreme, but sometimes necessary. Make sure to remove footwear upon entering, and wash your hands and wipe down things you took out with you like phones and keys.

Dust all surfaces and objects and clean them to remove the dust and not just move it around— remember to always wipe down kitchen and bathroom surfaces too. Get baskets to avoid clutter; purge and clean the objects themselves as well as the surfaces they were on and the place where you will place them next. Use pencil holders, wicker organisers and decorative cardboard boxes to help you organise things in categories. It will make things easier to find and a pleasure to look at.

Get Rid of Carpets and Vacuum Rugs

With permission from your landlord, get rid of any carpeted surfaces if possible. Most of the time, beautiful tile or hardwood floors hide behind these allergen-trapping carpets. These, over the years, gather and become infested with dust mites, pet hair and other allergens. However, of course, we always need decorative rugs that also help with sound control so vacuum and shampoo these frequently.

Soft Goods

Try having two sets of throws, decorative pillows, pillows and covers. Wash these on a regular basis, as cushions and mattresses (flip these every six months) usually accumulate bed mites, which increase allergies. By alternating these while the other set washes and dries, you give a fresh and newer look to your home. These are the simple touches that won't break the bank.

Window Coverings

When it comes to choosing curtains and blinds opt for washable curtains, preferably cotton. Avoid and replace blinds with washable rolling shades.

Pet Hair and Dander

Of course, our furry friends are part of the family, so make sure to bathe them regularly and brush their hair to eliminate dander and excessive shedding.

Furniture

If you are selecting new furniture, go for smooth surfaces that are easier to clean. Wood, metal, leather and plastic are easy alternatives, but also make sure that they match your aesthetic.

Air Filtration

Get yourself an air purifier for the bedroom, with a small-particle or HEPA filter, or that utilises ions or UV to eliminate dust, smoke, odours, allergens, mold spores and pet dander.