How allergy-proof your work from home space?

Prevent the onset of your allergies while you work. Know these allergy facts and use them to transform your work-from-home space into an allergy-proof haven.

1. Get rid of the carpet
   
   Dust, pet dander, pollen, mold - almost every type of allergen accumulates in the carpet.¹ Replace with hardwood or other flooring material impervious to these particles.³ Walking on carpet causes allergens to fly around in the air and into your airways.
2. Ditch the curtains
   
   They may be pretty to look at, but like carpets, curtains also gather dust, pollen, and other allergens in the air. Replace with shades or blinds or opt for washable drapes that are easier to clean.³ Considered swapping them with roll shades.⁴ Pro Tip: Vacuuming once a week keeps window treatments clean and allergen accumulation minimal.¹ 4 Frequent washing during open-window months also works for fabric curtains.
3. Declutter
   
   Stacks of paper gather dust and other particles that trigger allergies.⁵ Clearing clutter frees both desk space and brain space. It also gets rid of irritants that cause your sniffles and hamper your productivity, too. Set a weekly decluttering schedule⁴ where unnecessary paperwork is removed and recycled. Print documents sparingly or go paperless if your work allows. Save documents on the cloud or your computer to reduce waste and clutter in your office.⁵
4. Keep it fragrance-free
   
   Exposure to lotions, air fresheners, cleaning products, and other scented items may lead to nausea, headache, or asthma attacks.⁶ Stick to fragrance-free products. If you’re sharing your workspace with others, ask them to do the same.
5. Keep windows closed during the allergy season
   
   Staying indoors and closing all entryways will prevent allergens from entering the house.³ Rely on air conditioning during the pollen season. Make a habit of cleaning condensation and mold from window sills and frames. Consider double paneling windows in cold climates.³
6. Swap out upholstered furniture
   
   Replace upholstered furniture with chairs and desks made from wood, plastic, metal, or leather. These are easier to clean and don’t gather as much dust and particles as upholstery.³
7. Keep your workspace animal-free
   
   Keep your home office pet-free. If you must keep a dog, cat, or any other furry pet, keep them out of areas you frequent.³ Make sure they take regular baths to reduce shedding and dander.¹
8. Invest in a good air filter
   
   Invest in a reliable air filter equipped with HEPA or small-particle filter. Position it in a way that the clean air flows toward you.¹
9. Use a hygrometer and dehumidifiers
   
   High humidity fosters mold growth. Measure humidity level with a hygrometer to know the moisture level in your home office. If it goes above 60 percent, use a dehumidifier.⁴
10. Clean your keyboard
    
    Clean your keyboard regularly using compressed air for dust lodged in between the keys. Remember to disconnect it from the computer or power off your laptop when doing so.⁵