Decorating tips to avoid allergies at home

In order to help you avoid the discomfort caused by flare-ups during cold seasons or dust, we’ve highlighted some allergy-proof tips to create a healthier and more comfortable environment in your home. 

What should allergic people avoid?

Allergy consists of an immune system response as a defense to foreign substances that enter the body. Among the main allergens are dust mites, organisms visible only under a microscope, which can cause health problems. 

These microorganisms look for spaces that serve as shelter and have the necessary conditions for proliferation, such as dust, dirt, animal hair, humidity, among other elements. Therefore, you must: 

• Avoid using humidifiers;
• Avoid accumulation of toys, books, boxes and other materials that bring dust into the room;
• Identify and eliminate mold, especially in the bedroom;
• Do not use brooms and dusters, replacing them with a damp cloth and/or vacuum cleaner;
• Do a deep cleaning periodically.

Items that cause problems in the home of allergic people

People with allergies should be careful with all the details of the house, since contact with dust, mites, fungi and bacteria, no matter how small, can start major allergic crises. See below which items and objects you should be aware of: 

Pillows and mattresses

We all spend a lot of time in direct contact with the pillow and mattress. These, without the necessary care, are the ideal environment for hosting mites. 

Thus, the secret is to invest in hypoallergenic decorative covers for pillows and cushions. In addition to protecting you from allergies, it still prints a beautiful and modern look in the decoration of bedrooms and living rooms. The same goes for the mattress, look for one that is anti-mite to keep these inconvenient pets away.

Carpets, rugs and curtains

It is not news that carpets, rugs and curtains are bad items for those who have allergies. In addition to accumulating a lot of dust, such components can develop mold , especially when they are in places with little air circulation and no lighting. 

We know that cloth curtains are beautiful, but you can replace them with blinds, as they are more practical to clean with a damp cloth and keep sanitized. Regarding rugs, it is recommended to look for one that is anti-allergic. If this is not possible, buy a regular rug that is not terry-cloth to avoid further accumulation of dust.

Sofas and poufs

In the case of furniture, avoid rough sofas and poufs, such as suede models, as this type of fabric also concentrates a lot of dust. Prefer smooth fabrics, such as leather or synthetic fabrics, as they are easy to clean and don’t collect a lot of dirt. 

Decorative objects

Having lots of decorative objects, in addition to taking work to keep them clean, makes the environment more prone to the accumulation of allergenic agents. Items such as statues, stuffed animals, paintings, books and decorative items in general are dust deposits. 

Thus, the most recommended thing is to remove some items from the rooms, preserving only what is necessary for a more minimalist and clean decoration . 

Decorating tips to avoid allergies

Several items can trigger flare-ups in people with allergies. While there is no 100% effective way to get rid of this condition, there are some steps you can take to make your everyday life easier. It is worth mentioning that you can make a beautiful decoration, even looking for practicality to avoid allergic crises, just adopt the following tips:

Prefer smooth coatings

The ideal coverings for you to have at home are ceramic, wood, porcelain and laminate, which do not concentrate dust and can be cleaned with just a damp cloth. 

The walls also deserve attention. Choose hypoallergenic paints, as rough textures collect more dust. If you are a fan of wallpapers and do not give up on them, opt for the washable versions, there are several options on the market in different colors, both illustrated and neutral. 

For furniture, look for models with a special coating against the development of fungi and bacteria. 

built-in furniture

If it fits within your budget, how about hiring a company to plan the furniture and install built-in cabinets? This way, the furniture will not be exposed, preventing dust from accumulating. If this option is not viable for you, the tip is to position traditional furniture at a distance of two centimeters from the wall, in order to prevent the emergence of mold. 

Clean decoration

It’s no use buying smooth coatings, but filling them with many decorative objects. So, avoid putting them on display. If you don’t want to keep all the objects due to some emotional attachment or other reasons, bet on cupboards with glass doors to leave them exposed through the glass, but still keeping the dust away from them. 

How should the decor be to avoid allergies in an allergic room?

For people with allergies, clean decor is the ideal option, making cleaning easier. Instead of using decorative items, you can use wall stickers to add a charm to the look of the environment. As for frames and picture frames, choose those frames that are made of plastic, as it is easier to dust off. 

Regarding bedding, it is important to wash it, dry it in the sun and change it once a week. Sets and blankets with 100% cotton materials, anti-allergic fabric, silk, crepe or linen, can be allies for people with allergies. 

Also, prefer mattresses and pillows made of foam, fiber or latex, as feathers and down are enemies of allergy sufferers. Remember that headboards generate dust accumulation, so it is essential to opt for headboards in leather or synthetic fabrics. 

For fans of plants in the bedroom, bad news: the species also concentrates dust on their leaves and there is still the incidence of pollen. So, better avoid them! Leave the plants for environments where the dwell time is shorter, such as dining rooms and hallways.