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20 Ways to Lower the Humidity in Your House

Are you wondering how to lower the humidity in your house? You are not alone, as a lot of people feel a sense of discomfort and unhappiness when they deal with super high humidity levels. And that’s why it makes a lot of sense to find new, creative ways to lower home humidity as quickly as possible. With that in mind, here you have a few tips that will help in this situation.

1.Use a dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is one of the simplest tools you can use to keep the humidity levels as low as possible. It’s highly recommended to invest in a good dehumidifier since it allows you to ensure proper airflow circulation, all while eliminating any humidity from the air. Ideally you want to keep the unit away from furniture or any walls, unless it has air vent on the top.

2. Clean the downspouts and gutters

You want to do this because they will carry water away from your home. It’s a good idea because if you don’t do this, you will end up with high humidity levels in your home. Plus, it’s a good idea to restrict watering plants to bare necessities, just to be safe. The more restrictions you have in this situation, the better it will be as you do want to avoid complications.

3. Keep fresh-cut firewood outside

Why is this important? The most important aspect to consider is that freshly cut firewood has large amounts of water in it when you store it indoors. You want to leave the firewood outside so all that water will evaporate. If you don’t do that, then you will increase the humidity levels inside. Even if it doesn’t feel like a lot, in a situation like this, every little thing counts, so you might as well want to take that into consideration just to be safe.

4. Bring all your plants outside

Don’t keep plants indoors. They end up increasing the humidity levels and that’s the type of thing that you want to avoid. Ideally you want to keep them outside and you will be just fine. You could also keep them in a single room, however that room will have lots of humidity, so you really need to figure out what works for you here.

5. Keep the AC drip pans and drain lines clean

If you keep them clean and unobstructed, it will be a lot easier to avoid any humidity issues. The AC will remove all the humidity from your room. However, if the AC is not working properly, then you will have issues with this approach. You need patience to do this right, but it will be worth it.

6. Vent your clothes dryers outside

The reason you want to do that is that you end up generating a lot of humidity if you do this inside. There’s no real benefit coming with performing this activity inside anyway, so you have to figure out what works for you and how you can adapt to the entire process.

7.Add double-glazing to your windows

When you do that, you will have less humidity and that on its own can be a very important aspect to consider. Double-glazing really brings in front great results, and the best part is that you can avoid severe condensation without spending a whole lot of money. It’s the best of both worlds and you should totally check it out.

8.Aerate your attic and basement

Normally these are two of the places in your home where you will have a lot of moisture. If you start bringing in fresh air in there, you will start removing more and more moisture naturally. It’s one of the best approaches you can have and it does work really well if you do it right. We recommend you to test it out and perform this task often to avoid moisture and dampness in your home.

9. Use a fan in your kitchen

If you cook often, you will generate humidity in your kitchen. It makes a lot of sense to use a fan or anything that will bring in fresh air and push the humidity away too. This is an important aspect to think about, and it will offer you a very good experience every time. In a situation like this, you need to start easily, and this approach does make a lot of sense.

10. Open the fireplace damper

The fireplace damper allows you to push moisture away from your room. It’s a good way to lower the humidity naturally, and we believe that you should always consider it as one of the first things you can do when you deal with lots of humidity inside your home.

11. Open up the windows

This is simple, but it helps you push humidity away, all while bringing in dry air from outside. You have to figure out what approach works for you, and it all comes down to delivering the best results and having the right approach here.

12. Cover your food while cooking

Another interesting thing to do when you are cooking is to try and cover the food. This will keep the humidity under control. Alternatively, you could use a slow cooker, which brings pretty much the same experience and great results you would expect. It’s always a good idea to find alternative solutions, and it can be very well worth the effort all the time without any worries.
Lower your Humidity

13. Take cold, short showers

Hot showers will generate steam and that will obviously increase the humidity levels in your home. Not only that, but if those hot showers are long, then you are further increasing the humidity levels. You need to pay a lot of attention to this, because the more you take hot showers, the more humidity you are generating within the entire home.

14.Replace the carpet if it’s a model that retains moisture

Some types of carpets like the fluffy or very thick ones tend to retain a lot of moisture. They will also end up capturing dust mites and bacteria. It makes a lot of sense to replace your carpets with simpler ones. Make sure that you go with carpets that are not going to retain any moisture. And if you do that properly, it will be more than ok.

15.Add wrap or tubular insulation

Insulating tubing works great for the cold water pipes. It will help decrease sweating, and the best part is that you will have less humidity in your home. Even if it seems like a simple thing to do, it will make quite the difference.

16. Repair the door and window frames

When you have issues with the window and door frames, the first thing you want to do is to repair them. These frames can bring in moisture into your home, and that’s the last thing you want to have. Even some simple repairs can make quite the difference, and all you need is to give these a try, it will be well worth it in the end.

17.Insulate the crawl spaces

The best method you can use for insulating crawl spaces is through using a plastic vapor barrier. This is not that hard to do actually, and it will bring in front some pretty impressive results. The idea is to know how to perform proper insulation, and if you do it right, it will be a very good experience.

18. Waterproof the concrete basement walls

Waterproofing these walls will be a major way to deal with excess humidity. Most of the time concrete walls will bring in humidity to your home. That’s why waterproofing them is so important, and you should treat this as a priority to avoid any possible problems.

19. Treat the foundation with Hydroclay

Hydroclay is known for waterproofing tunnels. It’s a water-absorbing clay, and it will seal the basement where you have water infiltrations. Waterproofing your foundation with this will make quite the difference, and it will help you keep your home safe. Plus, you get to deal with humidity the right way, and that on its own can deliver quite the difference.

20. Vinyl wallcovering

Using vinyl wallcovering can be a very good idea. The trick here is that this type of wallcovering will help trap the moisture and basically keep it out. If you ignore this, it will lead to mold growth. So that’s certainly something to keep in mind.

Conclusion

It’s very important to find great, creative ways to keep the humidity levels as low as possible within the entire home. If you have low humidity levels within your home, you will breathe better, your skin will feel better, and you will have a great sense of well being. It’s important to take all of this into consideration, and the results can be very good every time. If you still have high humidity levels within your home, it’s a very good idea to hire a professional and solve this issue!

Best Ways of Removing Pet Hair From Air

I love my animals. Two dogs and two cats.

One of the dog stays outside 90% of the time and has a designated bed when she comes in the house.

But the other dog pretty much has free reign to the house.

Likewise, one of my cats stays in the house all the time and one of my cats lives in the garage.

We have a unique situation in that my wife is allergic to dogs and cant touch them without immediately washing her hands.

And I’m allergic to the cat in the garage.

Granted there are Hypoallergenic  house cats that don’t shed a whole lot including the
1. Siamese
2. Bengals
3. Bombay
4. Russian Blue

And believe me if I were better at looking for a cat as a pet, I would definitely have chose one of those.

But that is not how the cat in the garage came to live with us.

And that is definitely not the kind of cat we have in the garage.

The cat in the garage is named Merida and  Merida sheds more than any animal I’ve ever seen.

You cannot pet that cat without getting hair all over your hands and  your clothes.

Needless to say, I’m in a constant sneezing and running nose dilemma whenever I’m in Merida’s domain.

And since I do tend to work in the garage quite often I’ve had to figure out a few things so that me and Merida can coexist.

Here’s a few things I can tell you first-hand:

Some of the Best Ways to Remove Pet Hair from Air
1. Grooming
2. Restricted Living Space
3. Cleaning
4. Air Purifiers

1.  Grooming

This is the number one way I have found to keep the hair from getting all over the place. I bought a pet hair brush that removes a crazy amount of hair off of the cat at one time.

I open the garage door, step outside with the cat and go to town brushing her  The cat loves it and she leaves a whole lot less hair around the garage when I do this regularly.

  The dogs are a different story though.

Although the outside dog is a lab mix and doesn’t get too many baths,

  The little dog in the house has to have regular haircuts and regular baths or he just becomes right out nappy.

That’s when the sneezing and itchy eye craziness gets out of control for my wife.

It is amazing how much better it is for her when the dog is groomed and bathed.

And It’s a lot better for him also, because everybody wants to pet and hold him a lot more when he’s clean.

2. Restrict the living area of your pets

  Keeping the dander down and out of the air is a lot easier when the animal has their own confined space.

There is no way we could live with  Merida if she stayed in the house all the time.
That being said, we do let her come in the house and visit everyone,

but she primarily stays in the garage and its primarily because of the amount of cat hair that she leaves everywhere.  (she does have some issues with using the litter box regularly but that’s a different article, you can read more about that here)

Keeping the allergens at Bay by keeping the cat outside is one plan that works for us and especially me.

3.  Cleaning

Baby wipes for pet hair

This one works particularly well for my wife. Giving the dog a mini bath with baby wipes helps quite a lot towards keeping her from getting allergy crazy when the dog is around or she when pets the dog.

I’ve seen some wipes for cats on Amazon but I have not tried them.
Seems like a pretty good idea but I can imagine it’s kind of hard bathing the cat with them when the hair is falling off everywhere.

Hand Sanitizer for cat dander

We also keep a bottle of hand sanitizer around. It’s an easy go to when you don’t have access to a sink right away after you been touching the animals.

Vacuum for pet hair

Pet hair tends to accumulate and get all over the furniture and the Carpet and the hardwood Floors.

Everyone who has a cat has probably experienced vacuuming the floor and couch only to discover an insane amount of cat hair in the vacuum dump canister after they are done.

I got a Hoover Rewind from Walmart for vacuuming. Like I said before it’s crazy how much cat hair that thing picks up.

Keeping the floors and the furniture vacuumed is one of the best ways to keep the pet hair out of the air.

Keeping the house clean will keep pet allergies down quite a lot.

But one thing to remember about sweeping and vacuuming is that you are kicking the dust and dander back into the air when you do so.

 

4.  Air Purifier for Cat Hair

 

That leads to the next solution to keeping pet hair out of the air.

An air purifier placed in the right spots we’ll keep the ambient air ,the air you breathe free from airborne allergens including dog and cat dander.

  Using a air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter will capture particles as small as .3 microns.

What is the Micron size of pet dander?

The Micron size of pet dander is typically about 5 up to 10 microns.

Which is well in the range of the capacity of the HEPA filter.

Pet dander is actually the bacteria that makes it to the air via your pets shedded fur.

It’s the part of the fur that people are allergic to.

Though a HEPA air purifier can filter out particles as small as bacteria,

  they are not meant for larger debris like animal fur.

The solution is to make sure that any air purifier you buy has a pre-filter to capture all the big junk before it gets into the HEPA filter.

A pre-filter is typically made out of plastic and is easily washable.

A lot of people still have the ideal that air purifiers are gimmicky or dangerous.

Today’s air purifiers are very sophisticated and capable of eliminating about every type of indoor air pollution there is.

Is it okay to leave an air purifier on all the time?

Yes and no.

Of course you can leave your air purifier on all the time but there is a few things you may want to take into consideration.

1.  HEPA air purifiers can only cover a small amount of space. It is more practical to keep it on only when you are in that particular space.

  For instance, an air purifier will help you sleep by keeping the air that you breathe clean while you are sleeping,

But if you’re not there to breathe the clean air, you’re only using energy and shortening the life of the air purifier and the replacement filter.

A better solution to running your air purifier all the time is buying an air purifier with built-in air quality sensoring.

As I stated before, many air purifier brands have become quite sophisticated.

Many Brands come equipped with indoor air quality sensors to monitor your air.

The sensors communicate with the air purifier so that it only runs as much or less as needed.

  These are air purifiers are typically outfitted with the latest app so that you can control your air purifier and find out what the air quality is of your home right from your phone.

2. Some air cleaners use ionizers that can create low amounts of ozone. Ozone can build up over time. That is one of the particular reasons that the EPA discourages the use of ozone as a domestic air cleaner.

Is Ozone Dangerous for Pets?

Ozone is not meant to breathe in any kind of large quantity. That goes for human lungs and animal lungs.

Ozone should only be used as an air purifier for remediation use and when there is no one around till the ozone clears out.

My animals are a big part of my life as I’m sure yours are,. but sometimes getting along with them requires a little more help in the air quality Department.

Keeping your animals groomed and your house clean,

as well as running a good HEPA air purifier will help go a long way in keeping your air free of hair and your allergies from going haywire.

Peace.

Do Air Purifiers Make the Room Cold?

It can be confusing sifting through all the products and appliances that deal with airflow.

There are a lot of misconceptions and questions that people have , for instance,

Does an Air Purifier make the room cold?

The answer is:

No an air purifier does not make the room cold. It is a device to clean the air and not cool it down.

Most air purifiers do have a fan, but the fan is not in place to blow air out, rather pull air into a filter.

The point is , with so many different types of devices and machines that have similar names and all deal with the air somehow,
knowing what each one is and what it does can take some research.

  Hopefully this article will add some clarity and help clear up a few of the misconceptions that people can have when they need a specific appliance for their air.

Air Purifier

A air purifier is a device
that purifies or cleans the air through different means,
primarily filtering.

Air purifiers are also called:
1. Air Cleaners
2. Air Sterilizers
3. Air Scrubbers
4. Air Ionizers
5. Air Filters
6. Ozonators
7. Odor Removing Machines
8. Negative Ion Generators

Like we stated in the beginning of this article, air purifiers or not the same as Air conditioners. They primarily clean the air where as an air conditioner cools the temperature of the air.

Dyson has an air purifier that is an exception to the rule. It cools the air and filters the air in the same unit. You can check it out here.

All air purifiers are not made the same and they do not all use the same technology to clean air.

Before purchasing an air purifier, you should do a little research to find out which air cleaning technology is right for you. You can find a good resource here.

Air conditioner

Air conditioners are devices
or machines that condition
the air in the room to be cold or cooler.

Different types of air conditioners include:
1. Window air conditioners
2. Central air conditioners
3. Ductless air conditioners
4. Portable air conditioners
5. Heat pumps.

One question we get regularly in regards to these units is:

Can a Air Conditioner Make you Sick or Give you a Sore Throat?

The answer is yes,

The air conditioner housing , being dark and humid can provide an excellent environment to grow mold and bacteria.

A poorly maintained and uncleaned air conditioner can introduce mold and airborne allergens into the air each time it turns on.

This explains why your allergies can flare up and you feel sick when the air conditioner is on.

This can be noticeable especially at the beginning of the season after having not use the unit for a while.

As you can see,

That is just another reason why it can be confusing determining whether you need a air purifier or an air conditioner.

  If Air conditioning can be a contributing factor in the air quality of the home or office,

then it only makes sense that an air purifier for air purification should go hand-in-hand with air conditioner.

Luckily they’ve got you covered. You can take a look at those kinds of products here.

Can an air conditioner be used as a air purifier?

Can an Air Conditioner Filter Pollen?

Yes your central air conditioner can filter out pollen provided that you are using the right filter for it.

But it is important to remember that a filter that is capable of filtering out pollen and bacteria is going to be very dense and is going to cause your air conditioner to work extra hard.

That will add to your energy cost and take away from the life of the air conditioner.

Air conditioning filters are primarily put in place to protect the air conditioner itself , although they do help keep air pollutants from circling through the building to a point.

Humidifier

The humidifier is another airflow machine that can be confusing to understand what it does and whether or not you need it.

A humidifier adds humidity to a room by converting water into a mist that blows from the machine.
There are 5 basic types of humidifiers including:
1. Cool Mist
2. Ultrasonic
3. Warm Mist
4. Evaporative
5. Vaporizers

Does a humidifier Cool the air?

A cool mist humidifier has a cool Vapor that comes from it so technically you could get a little bit of cool air on You by sitting next to it,

But that’s not really the point, that is just a side benefit and it only works with a cool mist humidifier.

The purpose of a humidifier is to add moisture to your room to counter the effects of dry climate like dried out nasal cavities and chapped lips,etc.

Humidifier uses:

Dry air can come with a lot of negative symptoms.

Humidifiers can help alleviate many of the problems and symptoms related to living in a dry climate.

Conditions like:

Bloody noses
Dry skin
Congestion
Chapped lips

To name a few.

Humidifiers can also be a great way to get a better more peaceful night’s rest.

They can also help reduce snoring and sleep apnea.

A Humidifier running in the bedroom at night will also add a little white noise.

White Noise has shown to help some people sleep deeper and for longer periods of time.

Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is a device that extracts humidity from a room.

Many people have the opposite problem from dry air.
They live in climates that are extra humid for most of the year.

This is another appliance that causes a lot of confusion when you’re talkin about air conditioning.

Will a dehumidifier help cool a house?

Yes and no. A dehumidifier does not produce cool air but it does reduce humidity and humidity will cause the house to feel muggy and warm.

It will also take the strain off of the air conditioner so that it feels like your air conditioner is working much better.

  An air conditioner can work twice as hard in and environment where there is a lot of humidity.

If you ever have been down south in the summer you know what I mean. You can turn your air conditioner on full blast and not feel like it is on.

Other Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier:
1. Mold reduction
2. Home stabilizing
3. Dust mite reduction
4. Reduces indoor air pollution
5. Lower your energy cost.

Humidity helps provide the ideal breeding ground for mold. Mold can bring about a whole host of household problems.

1.  Mold can rot your wood. When the beams in your home get wet they can become weaker over time.
2. Dust mites live and thrive in humid conditions. Dust mites can invade your bedding and your furniture making your home “allergic”.
3. Mold spores along with a thriving dust mite community can cause the air in your home to be very poor.

Does a dehumidifier clean the air?

No it will not technically clean the air but it can help keep the home dry so that many of the air pollutants that thrive and grow in humidity will never become a problem in the first place.

How can a dehumidifier save you money?

1.  By reducing the amount of maintenance and repairs caused by mold.

2. Air conditioners have to run twice as hard when there is high humidity.

A dehumidifier will help the air conditioner run easier. That will prolong the life of your air conditioner and lower your electric bill.

Summary

This article has hopefully helped introduce to you the differences between a air purifier, air conditioner, humidifier, and a dehumidifier.

And cleared up some of the misconceptions about which of these appliances cool the air.

5 Breathing Techniques that Reduce Anxiety and Help you Calm Down

We’re always being told how powerful and effective breathing techniques can be. Breathing is wonderful for controlling anxiety and the effects it has on your body. The problem is that most breathing techniques for anxiety are riddled with jargon or seem to require a deep knowledge of yoga. With that in mind, here are 5 breathing techniques that reduce anxiety and help you calm down. All of these techniques are simple and easy and can be done whenever you feel the need.

  1. Deep Breathing

While deep breathing is mostly used to reduce stress, it can also help with reducing anxiety. The idea behind deep breathing is the same as with any kind of breathing exercise. Focusing on the inhalation and exhalation, and taking control of the process, takes your mind off of the thoughts that are causing your anxiety. It also helps to relieve one of the major symptoms of anxiety – being short of breath.

How to Practice Deep Breathing

  1. Find a comfortable position
  2. Breathe in deeply through your nose and count to five
  3. Hold your breath for another count of five
  4. Exhale through your mouth for another count of five
  5. Repeat the process a few times
  1. Abdominal Breathing

The idea behind abdominal breathing is that you should pay attention to your muscle movements. It sounds simple enough, so let’s put it into practice.

How to Practice Abdominal Breathing

  1. Lie down flat. Keep your knees propped or stretch out your legs, whichever is more comfortable for you.
  2. Put your left hand on your chest and place your right hand on your stomach. You can also go the other way around if you prefer. Once again, choose the option that is most comfortable for you.
  3. 3. Breathe in through your nose at a slow and steady rate.
  4. Ensure that your diaphragm inflates. You should be able to feel the hand on your stomach move outwards while the hand on your chest remains still as you breathe.
  5. Exhale. Purse your lips together and push the air out of your body by tightening your stomach muscles. This should also cause the hand on your stomach to move inwards.
  6. Try to keep the hand on your chest as still as possible throughout the whole exercise
  7. Repeat the exercise several times a day, aiming for ten minutes of abdominal breathing twice a day.
  1. The 4-7-8 Exercise

The 4-7-8 breathing exercise, created by Dr Andrew Weil of Harvard, was inspired by Indian spiritual traditions. It can help you to relax in just about any situation. Dr Weil goes so far as to suggest that the technique can help you to fall asleep within a minute. It’s a sort of natural tranquilizer for your nervous system. It reduces tension and makes it easier to relax. It’s also really simple to practice and perform and can be done by anyone at any time.

How to Practice the 4-7-8 Breathing Technique

  1. Close your mouth and inhale through your nose for a count of four
  2. Hold your breath for a count of seven
  3. Exhale through your mouth for a count of eight
  4. Repeat the process a few times

What makes this technique so effective is that it lets more oxygen enter your lungs. All of the extra oxygen relaxes the nervous system and induces a state of calm across your whole body. Your nervous system can get overstimulated when you are stressed, which makes anxiety worse. Give the 4-7-8 technique a try the next time you get stressed out.

4. Alternate Nostril Breathing

If you have problems controlling your anxiety, then alternate nostril breathing can hep you to focus better and feel more in control. It helps to eliminate unwanted and worrying thoughts. Giving yourself some extra headspace can get rid of the concerns and negative thoughts that are causing your anxiety, giving you a much needed moment of peace.

How to Practice Alternate Nostril Breathing

  1. Sit down in a comfortable position. This can be on a couch, on your bed, or anywhere else you feel more comfortable
  2. Place your right thumb over your right nostril
  3. Inhale slowly through the left nostril. Inhale as deeply as you ca.
  4. Hold your breath and cover your left nostril with your right finger to open up the right nostril
  5. Exhale through the right nostril
  6. Repeat the exercise a few times to clear out your head

Don’t forget; breathe in through the right nostril and breathe out through the left one!

  1. Equal Breathing

If your stress gets out of control you might have problems breathing properly. As unpleasant as breathing difficulties are, they also help you regain control and calm.

You can take back control of your breathing to feel better. It’s amazing how much relief you can get from taking control over the bodily reactions associated with stress. As the name would imply, equal breathing is about breathing a balanced amount of air.

How to Practice Equal Breathing

  1. Breathe in with your nose for a count of five
  2. Breathe out through your nose for a count of five
  3. Repeat the process until your stress washes away

The equal breathing technique has been proven effective for those who have trouble with stress and panic attacks.

Summary

Anxiety is becoming more and more of an issue, and it can become a nightmare if you don’t take care of it early.

While knowing how to properly manage anxiety can be a long-term process, taking control as soon as it kicks off can help you stay in control. This helps motivate you to keep pushing and prevent anxiety attacks.

It can be difficult to get rid of anxiety, especially if you have a busy schedule, but putting aside just 10 minutes a day for breathing exercises will keep you happy and healthy.

Do Air Purifiers Remove Odors?

No one likes a stinky smell. But when you think about it, that is kind of the point.

A foul smell is almost always a warning that something isn’t right in the state of Denmark.

But have you ever thought about how it would be live without the sense of smell.

Smell is actually very important to our survival.

So many dangers like rotting food , gas leaks, etc are averted everyday because of the basic function of smell.

Our noses are actually one of the best   natural alert systems to keep us aware the possibility of danger.

But of course there is such a thing as lingering odors that continue to assault your membranes after the source of the rotten smell is found and eradicated.

Odors like cigarette smoke, that end up turning into third hand smoke and leave there unpleasant aroma everywhere for months and years to come.

Do air purifiers remove odors?

Yes there are air purifiers that utilize a technology called activated carbon that will absolutely absorb pungent odors. Pet smells, third hand smoke, lingering cooking odors, and gases.

Even more importantly . Activated carbon is capable of absorbing odorless gases.

But An air odor eliminator machine will remove odor from the air as long as you understand that it can only do so much.

What I mean is:
it will not clean the kitty litter for you.
It will not dispose of rotten food for you.
It will not do the dishes.
It will not scrub the kitchen.
It will not clean the toilet.

You get the point. So many odors are basically trying to tell you to take the trash out.

And eliminating these odors, like it or not, would not be the best thing for you.

Imagine if you could not smell bacteria and mold growing in the trash can or the sink.

How long would it take for someone to get seriously ill from it?

But there are many odors that you are fundamentally not able to do anything about.
Vocs are odors that usually come from chemicals around the house and office.

Consumer products like solvents and adhesives including carpet adhesives
can put off a bad smell as well as give you headaches and other adverse health reactions.

Other vocs around the house include natural Gas, wood stoves, chimneys,etc.

Are activated carbon air filters safe? Are they dangerous?

No activated carbon filters are not dangerous. On the contrary, they are one of the safest means of air purification available.

Carbon is one of the main elements of the Earth’s crust. When it is heated to right temperature it becomes extremely porous.

What do carbon air filters do?

Carbon Filters are so porous that they are able to capture particulates as small as gas.
And are is particularly good at absorbing odors.

People have been using carbon as a filter for water for literally thousands of years.
Another one of its popular early uses was for the decoloration of sugar.

Though today, its primary market is water filtration,  it’s also used and multiple other Industries. Dry cleaning, alcohol production, corn refining, and gas absorption to name a few.

Rivaling its ability to filter carcinogens from drinking water is it’s amazing capacity to absorb odors.

It’s excellent air filtering abilities also make it very good for gas mask.

The carbon in air filters primarily comes from heated coal. Activated carbon and activated charcoal are the same thing basically. Activated carbon made from charcoal is the primary type of filter for air purification.

Unfortunately activated carbon cannot work alone to completely filter ambient air.
Pores are much too small to capture other particulates and allergens like pollen,dust mites, mold spores, and dander.

You need a HEPA filter to capture this size of air contaminants.

You rarely find an air purifier that contains a carbon filter but not a HEPA filter. They generally go hand-in-hand.

Can you wash and reuse a activated carbon filter?

Yes and no.

Carbon filters are very porous. And the pores themselves are very miniscule. Once the pores are full, there really is no washing them out.

But the outside of the filter can get covered with larger debris like hair and lint and so forth.

This will definitely keep the charcoal filter from doing its job properly. Getting the junk off of the outside will allow air to flow through the filter as it is intended to be.

Cleaning the outside of the filter can be as easy as taking a wash rag and wiping it off using a stiff bristle brush and doing a light scrub.

A even better solution is to purchase a air purifier that has a pre-filter so that your carbon filter and your HEPA filter do not get clogged with larger debris.

A Pre-filter is usually a permanent part of the air purifier that is made to come out and wipe off easily.

How much do carbon filters cost?

Carbon filters are primarily used in water filtration and air filtration.

Water filtering carbon filters will run anywhere from $200 to $300 and up.

Carbon filters for air purifiers are much cheaper and can run as low as $10 and average about $20.

The more dense and heavier the activated carbon, the better result you will get from it.

A Humidifier vs An Air Purifier For Your Baby?

As a mother or a father, it goes without saying you want the best for your baby. 

You may not realize it but the air you breathe in your home is as crucial to their health as any lotion or product that you rub on your baby’s skin. 


If you’re thinking of buying an air purifier or a humidifier for your baby’s room you need to know the difference between the two. 

What functions differ one from the other.

 You may find that you need both depending on the season.

The main purpose of a humidifier is to add moisture to the air. 

Humidity is definitely not something you want all year long. 

But in the winter months when you’re stuck indoors and the heater is going 24/7, the indoor air can become extra dry and that can mean a whole lot of heartache for your baby and for yourself taking care of your baby.

Dryer air is particularly hard on a baby because it causes the mucous membranes in the nose, eyes and throat to dry out. 

This can add up to it being a lot harder for your little one to stay asleep.

The primary type of humidifiers are evaporative, the mist, and the ultrasonic. 

They all work pretty much the same, turn water into mist and distribute it through the air. 

They’re generally no replacement parts on these types of machines. The only maintenance is to keep them clean and do not let mold grow in them.

An air purifier, as distinguished from a humidifier is an appliance that purifies the air. 

Most air purifiers feature a HEPA filter that is capable a filtering out indoor air pollutants up to 97 percent. 

Most people do not realize that the same heating and air units that distribute warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer, also distribute mold and bacteria. 

 So along with the dryer air that comes from having the heater going indoors, there is also the component of the heater blowing around bacteria and germs, adding to the problem of not resting and feeling fussy.

 An air purifier versus a humidifier for a baby may outweigh the need of a humidifier but the truth is, especially during the winter months both working in concert is the best plan.

 Unlike humidifiers, air purifiers do require replacement parts. Typically the filter. 

 Another point to consider is that air purifiers and humidifiers are a little noisy. There are companies that spin the sound the units make as a blanket a white noise to help your baby sleep. 

So as long as you do your due diligence and find one that is not overly noisy, that may be a good thing.

 Babies and children can have a hard time and be especially susceptible to irritants and triggers that come with airborne allergens and bacteria. Combining these pollutants with dry air can make your babies and yourself miserable.

Do yourself a favor and acquire an air purifier and a humidifier to keep in your home and help give your baby a healthy airspace and better chances for  long nights of sleep and good restful naps.

 

Our Top 6 Gutter Cleaning Hacks

As the seasons change, it’s time to take care of the home and undo the damage of the last season. One task that you may have to do – as much as you don’t want to – is cleaning out the gutters.

Never overlook the importance of clean gutters.

There are a number of reasons that you should keep them clean, including preventing flooding, roof damage, and more. A dirty gutter is also a potent source of mold. Mold thrives in moist conditions like a clogged gutter. It’s important that you get your gutters cleared out regularly, even if you have to do it yourself.

The good news is that keeping utters clean doesn’t have to be as tough as you think it is. There are lots of ways to make the process faster and safer. Here are six of the very best gutter cleaning hacks to help you get through this arduous chore.

  1. Rain Gutter Cleaner

The rain gutter cleaner is a great way to keep your gutters clean without having to invest a lot of time or money. What’s so great about the rain gutter is that it is a perfectly safe way to keep gutters clean. Anyone who has climbed up their ladder and tried to hand remove leaves understands how nasty – not to mention dangerous – it can be. The Rain Gutter Cleaner uses water to keep gutters clean. It costs around $10 to set up your own Rain Gutter Cleaner, so consider getting one of your own installed.

  1. Extendable Gutter Cleaning Wands

This is a hose attachment that works wonders for keeping gutters clean. It turns your hose into a pressure washer, putting out enough pressure to keep leaves out of a gutter. It also has a number of other uses including cleaning the car. There’s nothing quite like a multi-purpose tool. After all, the more a tool can do, the more likely you are to want to invest in it!

  1. Gutter Wedges

While you can invest in a gutter guard system, they tend to cost in the thousands. That’s a lot of money for something like keeping gutters clean. There’s no point in spending that kind of money when you can just invest in a more cost-effective solution like the Gutter Wedge. It features a patented flow-through design that makes leaves and other debris flow up and away from the downspout opening. This keeps the gutter clear to allow rainwater to quickly and efficiently be drained. Best of all, it takes just a few minutes to set up and install.

  1. Get Some New Tools

There are lots of other tools out there that are designed to make gutter cleaning easier. One of the best is the “GutterTongs”. They perform pretty much as you would expect with a name like that. They work with any type of gutter, removing the need to climb a ladder by scooping leaves out of a gutter with the same type of tongs that you would use to toss a salad – if salad tongs were 12 feet long. You can also use the GutterTongs to hold your hose and give gutters a thorough cleaning after removing the debris. Another great tool for gutter cleaning is cultivators. These are particularly useful for people who live in single-story homes as they reach up to six feet and are effective for removing leaves from gutters.

  1. Blow Them Away

You may already be familiar with leaf blowers. They are great tools for collecting leaves in the garden. Have you ever considered using your leaf blower to clear the leaves out of your gutter? If you haven’t, then you should. There is a trick to it of course; you have to extend the reach of the leaf blower beyond its typical length. You can find an attachment for doing just that at most local home centers. Or you can just get some basic plumbing supplies and put your own together. If you don’t have a leaf blower then you’d be surprised at what a vacuum can do if you turn suction tool into a blower. The downside of these approaches are that while the air could eliminate leaves and twigs, it isn’t able to get rid of any decomposing organic material or dirt that has gotten lodged in. Also keep in mind that you will generally need a ladder to access the gutters in a multi-story home. It can be dangerous for anyone to scale an extension ladder no matter who they are. Doing that while holding a leaf blower? Well, that’s just asking for trouble. So please don’t do it, for your own safety.

  1. Old Fashioned Climbing and Cleaning

If all else fails and you find there some backup or clog that could only be eliminated manually, then you should still be smart about it. The first thing to do is ensure that your ladder is safe and sturdy enough for you to climb properly. After climbing up and reaching the clog, you want to use a scoop or other household tool to increase your reach and clear out the clog. A really surprising tool that can help out a lot here is a simple spatula. Just make sure you clean it off before using it in the kitchen again!

Summary

Now you know all about cleaning gutters with all of the best gutter cleaning hacks around, what’s stopping you from making use of them? Your gutters, house foundation, landscaping, and even your health will thank you for keeping your gutters clean. It’s a surprisingly simple piece of home maintenance most people overlook. Don’t be one of those people!

Mold Allergy Symptoms- Top 7 Ways to Avoid Them in your Home


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It may seem like fighting mold allergy is a losing effort. Mold is just part of the natural environment after all. Even though you are unable to see mold spores, they are nevertheless moving through the air and may enter your nose – triggering mold allergy symptoms. While mold allergy can be an issue, the first steps towards fighting it is maintaining basic hygiene. Much like you can avoid sunburn by just staying out of the sun, you can manage allergies – including mold allergies – by taking good care of your house. Don’t overlook the power of simple housekeeping.

 

How Does Mold Cause Allergies?

Mold is a kind of fungus that grows in moist places. As mold is growing, it is unlikely to trigger any kind of allergy symptoms, unless you are touching or removing it. Problems arise on dry and windy days which is when mold will go into the protective part of its life-cycle. This will be when it releases its spores. These spores blow on the wind and may be inhaled, which causes allergy symptoms.

 

Of all the many different varieties of mold, around Reeve dozen of them are known to cause respiratory allergies. The allergic symptoms to mold can include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, postnasal drip, mucus buildup, and an itchy nose or eyes. If mold spores enter the lungs, then they may cause asthma.

 

If you yourself experience any of these allergic symptoms and answer what has caused them, then you can have an allergist perform a skin or blood test to discern if mold is responsible not.

 

Breathe Better by Reducing Mold

Given that mold requires moisture in order to grow, it is commonly found in leaves, grass, and on logs. It can grow indoors in any area that has poor ventilation and high levels of moisture. Here are seven tips on how to protect yourself against mold and mold allergy symptoms.

 

  1. Use a Dehumidifier

It seems obvious that the best way to prevent mold would be to reduce humidity levels inside your home. Reducing humidity to less than 45% – if not under 35% – helps to prevent the growth of mold. If you live in a particularly large home, then you should consider placing a dehumidifier in the basement. The basement is one of the coldest and moist as places in the home – and therefore a place where mold can grow easily. We recommend setting a dehumidifier up in such a way that it can drain automatically without the need to empty the reservoir, which is all too easy to forget to do. A full reservoir actually helps more to grow. You can set up a self-draining dehumidifier by attaching hosted a dehumidifier which allows it to empty into a water-collecting pump drain. That way it doesn’t matter even if you forget the dehumidifier is there needs to be emptied.

  1. Keep Your AC Running Smoothly

Another great way to keep moisture levels down indoors is to use your air-conditioner in the warmer months. An air-conditioner allows you to keep the house dry and reduce mold levels; assuming that your unit is kept in good condition and cleaned out regularly. That means setting time aside to regularly dust and eliminate dirt from within the air-conditioner. You also need to regularly change the filters and clean out the ducts to keep air-conditioning units and dehumidifiers running properly and working their best. That includes changing the AC filter in your car. We also recommend cleaning the ducts out in your home once a year as condensation can occur, and this leads to mold growing

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  1. Focus on Air Flow

Help the air flow through your home by using a clean exhaust fan in the bathroom when showering, and in the kitchen when cooking and washing dishes. Open the inner doors of your home to keep flowing through the house and prevent mold from growing.

 

  1. Scrub Mold Away

If you do happen to see more growing, then use a 10% bleach solution to scrub it away. Don’t forget to wear a protective facemask while doing this. If you have respiratory problems that will prevent you from using bleach, then use a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar. This will work fine to remove mold, but it may take some more elbow grease to get the job done.

 

  1. Keep Up with the Housekeeping

Fungi may grow on the soap film that is left on tile and grout. This is why you should clean the bathroom thoroughly once a month at the very least. Wipe down the rubber seal on your washing machine door and keep the lid open when it is not in use to Brent moisture from getting trapped inside. As far as to kitchen girls, mold may stick around on refrigerator door gaskets, garbage cans, and drip pans. Also keep in eye out for mold growth in pitchers and water bottles. Empty them out leave them to dry completely.

 

  1. Stay Indoors When Mold Counts Are High

If you don’t want to wear a dust mask outside, or find it too uncomfortable, and avoid going outside too much if the mold count is high. You can check out the website of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology to find out more about current levels of mold and pollen where you live. Mold allergy symptoms are generally at their worst spring and fall seasons and during dry and windy days.

 

  1. Shower after Spending Time outside

Mold spores are similar to pollen in that you should wash them away after coming inside from outdoor activities such as sports and gardening. This prevents the spores from being spread around the indoor environment.

 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re spending time indoors or outdoors, these steps can help to reduce your exposure to mold; and therefore the allergy symptoms it causes.

7 Simple Remedies to Get Rid of Dog Allergies

They say that dogs are man’s best friend. They certainly can be, but allergic reactions to dogs are hardly fun. While allergies can be treated with medication, these medications sometimes cause adverse side effects such as drowsiness.

The good news is that you can control your allergy symptoms using natural means.

Here are 7 simple remedies to get rid of dog allergies.

7 Simple remedies to get relief From Dog Allergies

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is slowly becoming more popular, and has never been more accessible. One of the best ways to start your day is with a glass of water mixed with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and fresh lemon juice. It can also be used alongside a neti pot to flush your sinuses and eliminate any dog dander stuck where it shouldn’t be.

2. Quercetin

Quercetin can be found naturally in plant foods including cruciferous vegetables, onions, citrus fruits, and green tea. It is a natural bioflavonoid that stabilises histamine secretion and helps the body to natural control allergic reactions. Studies have shown that it calms down the hyperactivity of airways, which is one reason it is so effective. It’s recommended to use quercetin over the long term as it can take a few months for it to work properly.

3. Neti Pot

Neti pots provide natural relief for allergies by cleaning out the sinuses and eliminating congestion and allergens. Neti pots have been shown to improve the quality of life for people with respiratory illnesses with little to no side effects. This kind of “sinus irrigation” for removing allergens and other irritants was started hundreds of years ago as part of Ayurvedic traditional medicine. It has been used for centuries in India and has now made its way to the west. If using a neti pot, then be sure to use distilled and sterile water. Tap water can actually make your sinus problems worse because it has chlorine in it.

4. Stinging Nettle

The medicinal use of stinging nettle can be traced all the way back to Medieval Europe, where it was used to relieve fluid retention and joint pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that stinging nettle can be used to treat a variety of health problems including allergies. Stinging nettle has been shown to naturally control histamines. It can be taken as a tincture or in tea form.

5. Eucalyptus Oil and Frankincense Oil

Essential oils have been shown to work well for allergies, including pet allergies. They work by detoxifying microorganisms and other thing that can trigger allergic reactions, as well as reducing inflammation. Eucalyptus oil and frankincense oil are two of the most potent essential oils for allergy relief.

There are a few different ways you can use eucalyptus oil, including mixing it into a neti pot, inhaling it through a diffuser, and using it as part of your laundry detergent. Just add 25 drops of the oil to your wash to clear away pet dander from clothes. Frankincense oil can be used in much the same way. Just diffuse it into your home and office for about three hours each day or apply it directly to your chest and behind your ears.

6. Probiotics

The link between having a healthy gut and having a powerful immune system is becoming more recognized. After all, over 80% of your immune function is stored in the gastrointestinal tract. This basically means that you can help to reduce allergy symptoms by taking probiotics. Probiotics, as the name suggests, are friendly bacteria that live in your gut and defend against viruses, infections, allergies, and more.

They are so potent that studies have suggested when a pregnant woman takes probiotics regularly it reduces the chances of their children having allergies. Soil based probiotics are the best and they can be found in supplement form or obtained through your diet. Check out the organic vegetables at your local farmer’s market or consider growing your own.

7. Air Purifiers

Air purifiers can be more effective than you’d think at preventing pet allergies. Most people assume that pet allergies are caused by fur, but that isn’t the case. They’re actually caused by pet dander; a tiny substance that sticks to their skin and fur and gets everywhere, including the air. A HEPA air filter can help to relieve pet allergies by eliminating dander in the air. You’ll still have to keep your furniture clean yourself, but at least you won’t have to worry about the air.


The good news for dog allergy sufferers is that there are a lot of things you can try that don’t involve just getting rid of your dog.

 That kind of thing is much easier said than done. Give our natural remedies a try and see what they can do for you. There are lots of options out there, so even if one of these solutions doesn’t work, there’s bound to be one that will.

Seasonal Allergies – 5 Simple Remedies To Get Relief Now

The weather is getting warmer, and with it comes a higher pollen count. That may leave you with a runny nose, itchy eyes, and that annoying sensation of not being able to sneeze no matter how much you want to. One of the most common home remedies for seasonal allergies is local honey. The idea is to build up immunity before symptoms hit. It can work, but it’s far from the only solution. Here are 5 simple remedies to help you get relief from seasonal allergies.

seasonal allergy remedies

Nettle-Peppermint Tea

Nettles have a bad reputation, but they are one of the best herbs you could have in your repertoire. They can be used or everything from arthritis and lowering blood pressure to easing seasonal allergies. Peppermint itself has a kind of flavonoid called luteolin-7-O rutinoside, which helps to prevent anti-inflammatory enzymes such as histamines from being reduced. Peppermint also helps to reduce the effects of these enzymes to reduce the impact of seasonal allergies. Just put the peppermint and nettle together in a mug and pour in boiling water. Steep the mixture for around 15 minutes, add some honey for taste, and drink twice a day as needed to get allergy relief.

Bee Pollen

If you aren’t getting the relief you need from local honey, then you should try bee pollen. The concept behind the two is pretty similar; start taking small amounts and gradually increase the dosage to build up your immunity to the local pollen around you. This follows what is known as the “hygiene hypothesis”, where being exposed to germs and bacteria as a child leads to immunity against them in later life. Expose yourself to allergens before allergy season begins to ensure your system isn’t hit as hard when there’s more pollen in the air. It’s important that you make sure you aren’t allergic to bees or anaphylactic, and that you don’t have an allergic reaction to pollen. It’s important that you use local pollen. This remedy only works if you’re using local pollen. It should come from a good, organic source. Start taking pollen around five months before the allergy season begins. Start out with a small dose and gradually increase the dose. Decrease the dose if you start developing allergic reactions, and continue taking a small dose during the allergy season itself.

Citrus Drinks

Given that allergies tend to peak during the spring and summer, they coincide with the warm and sunny weather that you enjoy by spending time outdoors. While tea is healing, there are times when you just want a cool and refreshing drink. This great citrus drink is packed full of vitamin C, which helps to relieve seasonal allergies as it nourishes the immune system. Given that allergies leave the immune system in trouble, it’s easy to understand why a citrus drink like this is a great idea. You’ll need 2 oranges, half a lemon, and a tablespoon of raw, organic local honey. Squeeze the juice out of the lemon and oranges and leave them to chill for a few hours before stirring in the honey, adding ice, and enjoying on a daily basis.

Red Onion Water

Onions are filled with quercetin, a water soluble compound that has been shown to reduce the amount of histamine the human body produces. Effectively, it reduces allergy symptoms. Think of it as a natural anti-histamine. Quercetin has also been shown to inhibit inflammation and work as a bronchodilator; that is to say that it opens up the airways and makes it easier to breathe. For this you’re going to need 1 red onion, 4 cups of water, and some organic raw honey to taste. Slice the onion as thinly as you can and add it to the water. Leave it to infuse for up to 12 hours before drinking it once or twice a day. It will keep in a fridge for up to 4 days, so don’t be afraid to make a lot in advance. Add some honey into an individual glass when drinking it to add some taste if you want.

Air Purifiers

Air purifiers are a great way to keep seasonal allergies at bay, but not just any air purifier will do. You need to avoid using an ionic air purifier, because they generate ozone; a toxic substance. You need a HEPA-certified air filter. HEPA stands for “High-effective particulate air”, and an air filter needs to remove 99.7% of particles in air over 0.3 micrometers in order to meet this lofty standard.

HEPA filters are ideal for people with mild and moderate allergies that want some respite, but keep in mind that they only protect you while you’re indoors. If you have severe allergic reactions to airborne allergens and seasonal diseases, then you might want to invest in a bigger and more powerful PECO filter. A PECO filter – which stands for photoelectrochemical oxidation – works on the molecular level to destroy airborne irritants and pollutants. It can take out some of the things that a HEPA filter may miss. It’s beneficial for those who need immediate relief from severe allergies. Don’t forget to replace the filter in an air purifier every so often!

Summary

There are lots of things you can do in your home to reduce the impact of seasonal allergies. It’s tempting to open up the window to let in the cool breeze, but remember this will also let in allergens. It’s better to keep the windows closed and rely on the AC. Try some of these natural remedies and invest in a good HEPA filter to keep your nose clean this allergy season.