Pets are part of the family. Not only do they offer constant companionship, but our furry friends also help us manage depression, reduce stress, and offer numerous therapeutic benefits. Unfortunately, pets can also compromise the air quality in your home. Here are a few tips Windermere, Florida, pet owners can use to maintain healthy indoor air quality.
Vacuum Daily
Cleaning with a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum is beneficial because HEPA filters trap even the smallest allergens, including pet dander, fur, pollen, dust, and spores. While you may think dusting is enough, daily vacuuming is more effective at eliminating allergens and maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
Bathe Your Pet Once a Month
Regular pet baths reduce shedding and pet dander, keeping those allergens from redistributing throughout your home. Aim for bathing your dog once a month and brushing both cats and dogs with a de-shedding comb weekly. Avoid bathing your pet more than once a month, as frequent baths can dry out their skin and result in more dander.
Run an Air Purifier
HEPA-equipped air purifiers come in a variety of sizes ranging from compact, portable models to whole-home systems. The right purifier will boost your home’s overall indoor air quality and maintain a healthy, breathable atmosphere. Best of all, air purifiers can significantly reduce or even eliminate asthma and allergy symptoms, making them a great investment in your family’s health.
Keep Pets Off the Bed
While it’s tempting to share your bed with your beloved pets, this common practice can be dangerous for people with asthma or allergies. Bedding already harbors dust mites. Adding pet dander and fur to the mix will only make it difficult to breathe, cause skin irritations, and reduce sleep quality. Ideally, you’ll want to keep pets out of the bedroom altogether, but setting boundaries around your bedding is a good step.
Managing the indoor air quality in a pet-friendly home is easy once you develop a set routine. Maintaining your air conditioner can also help. Call E.C. Waters Air Conditioning & Heat at (407) 603-9144 to schedule an appointment.
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