Approximately 50 million Americans suffer from allergies which often makes their lives miserable. Since people spend 90% of their time at home, it is important to remove as many allergens as possible in your living environment which can harbor up to five times more pollution than outdoor air.

According to Yahoo! Lifestyle, simple steps such as regularly cleaning surfaces and vacuuming your house can reduce allergens.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America offers more recommendations to allergy-proof your home:

1. Improve the air flow by opening windows and leaving interior doors open. But close the windows when the pollen count is high. If you love having the windows open, get a special screen that helps filter out pollen.
    
2. Avoid harmful chemicals like bleach and other harsh cleaners as much as possible. Use products that have been certified asthma and allergy friendly by AAFA.
    
3. Keep your home’s humidity below 50%, says the AAFA. Buy a dehumidifier if needed.
    
4. 4.Change the air filters in your heating and air conditioning system regularly, says Dr. Dr. Bruce Wylde, BSc., a leading alternative health expert. Change your home filter at least every three months, says the expert, and always use a H.E.P.A. filter.
    
5. Remove carpeting if possible and replace with solid surface flooring.
    
6. Give your nose and eyes natural support. “Cleansing your nasal passages with a neti pot is a safe and natural way to keep sinus passages clear of bacteria and allergens,” Wylde says. Use a gentle product like Similasan Allergy Eye Relief for red, watery, and itchy eyes that contains only natural ingredients so you can use it frequently. It also helps to activate your body’s natural defense mechanisms to address the underlying problem, says Wylde.

AAFA offers a free home checklist that you can use to learn more about and help control asthma triggers.