Life

Genius Tips For Allergy-Proofing Your Home So You Can Get The Relief You Need

Photo: Gregory Reid; Use BENADRYL® only as directed. Medicine should be kept out of reach of children.

Call me crazy, but I've become accustomed to a certain standard of living at this point in my life that I refuse to go back on. I prefer the feeling of clean sheets on my bed, I appreciate the way my selfies turn out during that dusky end-of-day hour of sunlight, and I expect to be able to hang out in my own home without the threat of seasonal allergies sending me into a fit of sneezes and sniffles. All very reasonable demands, but unfortunately, that last one can feel easier said than done.

But not anymore! We've joined forces with BENADRYL® to outline some of the best tips for ridding your home of allergens so you can finally get the seasonal allergy relief you need. Allergens have a tricky way of finding their way into every nook and cranny of your home, but we're hoping these tips leave you feeling empowered to reclaim your home from a den of dust or pollen-induced sneezes and transform it back into the relaxation station that you more than deserve. Without any further ado, here are a few simple tips to try out this spring:

Start With Your Windows

Photos: Gregory Reid; Design: Molly Kugelmann/Bustle.

Just the plain fact that windows are a portal to the outside world of dust and pollen is enough to warrant some special care, but lucky for you, none of that care is too difficult. Here's what you'll want to do:

  • For starters, ensure you're keeping your windows shut during peak allergy season and lean into using your air conditioning or a fan for air circulation.
  • Next up, use machine-washable curtains so you can throw them into your laundry when you notice them getting dusty.
  • Invest in a small air purifier that can easily relocate to wherever you need it in your home, which will help rid your air of airborne allergens.

Next, Pay Your Living Room Some Attention

Photos: Gregory Reid; Design: Molly Kugelmann/Bustle.

After all, you do do quite a bit of living in this space, no? Keeping allergens to a minimum doesn't require too much more outside of vacuuming and dusting, but here are a few more things you could try:

  • Vacuum your upholstered furniture regularly — especially if you have a furry friend who likes to use your cozy couch as their oversized bed.
  • Swap real flowers for long-lasting vibrant silk versions. They last infinitely longer than their fresh-cut counterparts, are easy to find in most craft stores, and — best of all — they're pollen-free.
  • If you're lucky enough to have your pet trained to stay only in their own bed, purchase a dog bed with a removable and machine-washable cover so you can throw it in the laundry as needed.

Then Get Some Good Sleep

Photos: Gregory Reid; Design: Molly Kugelmann/Bustle. Use BENADRYL® only as directed. Medicine should be kept out of reach of children.

Personally, there is nothing more sacred to me than making sure my bedroom vibe stays restful and relaxing at all times, and nixing as many allergens as possible is an important variable in that formula. Here's what you can do to make that happen:

  • Wash sheets on a weekly basis. I know, I know — making your bed that often is no walk in the park, but when you consider the amount of time you spend in your bed on top of how quickly and easily things like pollen, animal dander, and dust mites accumulate, you likely won't mind stripping those sheets more regularly.
  • Keep your nightstand free of clutter so you can keep the amount of dust that piles up in check.
  • Especially if you're a seasonal allergy sufferer, keep a box of BENADRYL® on hand so you can take a dose when your allergies flare up so you can enjoy your downtime at home. This way, even when pesky allergens do find their way into your life, you'll be ready to take them on.

The bottom line: You should feel comfortable in your own home, and your allergies should never put a damper on your well-deserved downtime. Though these are just a few tips for allergy-proofing your home, following them could be just the thing that brings you one step closer to the relief you need.

Photos: Gregory Reid; Wardrobe Stylist: Annebet Duvall; Makeup Artist: Mary Guthrie; Hair Stylist: Marcos Diaz; Prop Stylist: Anna Surbatovich; Art Direction: Molly Kugelmann/Bustle; Design Director of Branded Content: Bry Crasch/Bustle; Production Coordinator: Nancy Valev/Bustle.

This post is sponsored by BENADRYL®.