6 simple steps to allergy-proof your living room

The living room is where family and friends congregate to spend time together, but it’s also where a lot of dust mites and allergens reside. For those with sensitive noses, your upholstery, rugs, curtains and more could be the source of all that itching and sneezing. But you don’t have to turn to medicine to relieve the allergies, simply make small tweaks in your living space.

Fight allergies and reduce the amount of dust and germs in your living room by following these 6 simple steps:

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Leather is not only easy to wipe down, it injects a sense of style into your room. (Photo: Pexels)

1. Choose non-fabric upholstery
Fabric sofas, chairs, ottomans and the like holds moisture and attracts dust mites. So when it’s time to replace your furniture, opt for easy-to-clean surfaces like leather or removable fabric covers that can be easily and regularly washed.

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Microfibre cloths are very cheap and can be found in supermarkets and Daiso. (Photo: Pixabay)

2. Dust at least once a week
Use a damp or microfibre cloth to remove allergens rather than flicking them around with a dry or feather duster.

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Removable covers also lets you change up the look of your sofa now and then! (Photo: Pixabay)

3. Wash cushion covers
Avoid having too many scatter cushions and make sure to wash covers regularly.

 

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Fresh air works wonders for your health. (Photo: Pixabay)

4. Open windows
Ventilate naturally since air-conditioning can increase airborne mould. On non-hazy days, open up the windows to ventilate the home.

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A light curtain also makes your home look more cheerful and clean. (Photo: Pixabay)

5. Consider curtains carefully
Choose roller blinds or washable curtains over venetian blinds or heavy drapes which attract more dust.

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(Photo: Pixabay)

6. Avoid automatic sprays
Ditch plug-in automatic air fresheners or insect sprays as they emit volatile organic compounds that can sometimes irritate sensitive noses.

Related: 5 Easy Ways To Relieve Sinus And Dust Allergies In Your Bedroom
Related: 3 Things In Your Home You (Almost) Never Have To Clean

Text: Bauer/Additional Reporting: Sylvia Ong and Elizabeth Liew