Allergy season is nothing to sneeze at in your apartment

Summertime has us itching to get outside for walks, barbecues, bike rides, swimming and more. However, that light and fresh feeling of summer also means its allergy season.

If a stuffy nose and pounding headache are keeping you from summer fun, try some of these tips to keep allergies out of your plans.

Start simple by eliminating the core triggers of your allergy symptoms. Dust your apartment home frequently and clean your commonly used surfaces daily.

For dusting, use a damp rag for a deeper clean as some dusters may not get the job done. To sustain your dustfree space, invest in some dust covers for your pillows and cushions.

Decluttering is just as important as disinfecting. Get rid of unused baskets, bins or tables and anything in closets or low-traffic areas that you no longer need as these items commonly collect dust. After donating or discarding the unused items and tidying your space, vacuum the room.

Carpeted apartment homes can have you sniffling and sneezing. Invest in a good, bagless vacuum to alleviate your allergy symptoms. Carpets and rugs can trap allergens in their fibers easily, turning your cozy, comfy floor into a home for dust, dirt and pet hair.

Make sure you’re doing laundry regularly to keep dust and dirt from gathering. Include sheets and pillow cases in your laundry routine. Note when you last cleaned items or rooms in your home so you know when each space is due for its next clean.

Invest in a mat outside your front and back door and encourage yourself and others to remove their shoes upon entering your apartment home so you don’t track allergy irritants into your space either.

Pets can be the culprit of many allergy symptoms. Make sure you have your pet or pets groomed regularly. Pet allergies are common, even in ways you may not think. Not everyone will have an extreme reaction to pet hair or dander, but many get congested and puffy eyes.

Purchase a good fur-grabbing brush, and remember to clean it outside your apartment. Even if you throw it out, stray hairs will find their way into your bedding and carpeting.

Opening your windows is a great way to get a breeze going and cycle out some air. It’s also a great way to invite pollen into your home. Check the pollen count before you open up and monitor how congested you get. Look into an air purifier to run on days you feel stuffy but can’t open windows.

Replace your filters as often as you can. Check with the management office. This is likely a service the maintenance crew at your community provides. If you find yourself feeling stuffed up or congested, see if they are able to come in sooner.

Be vigilant about decluttering and eliminating surfaces that commonly attract dust before the allergy symptoms set in.