Hey everyone! I'm reaching out because I'm dealing with some serious allergy issues when I visit my family's home. My family has always supported me, but the cleaning and upkeep habits could definitely use some tuning. While the house looks neat on the surface, there are areas like closets and the garage that accumulate clutter over time.
I've noticed that every time I visit—sometimes for weeks—I start experiencing severe allergies, which hasn't been typical for me outside of this setting. Strangely, my parents and grandparents don't seem to have the same issues. Our family home was bought in the mid-90s and while it underwent a heavy cleaning before we moved in, my dad doesn't keep up with regular cleaning since my parents separated. We've been tackling deep cleaning, but with the humidity coming in, my symptoms have gotten a lot worse lately. I keep wondering what could be causing this—could it be dust, mold, or just the accumulated stuff everywhere? I'm hoping to throw out a lot of things and establish a cleaning schedule, but I could really use some advice if anyone's dealt with something similar!
5 Answers
I've faced similar issues in rental places and a friend's home. Getting a dehumidifier might significantly help with managing humidity levels, and I’d recommend getting an air purifier too. When you take that attic adventure, make sure to wear gloves, a mask, and maybe even goggles! You never know what you might find in there. Could be a treasure trove or... something not so nice. Better to be safe!
Sounds like your family is supportive, which is great! Just be mindful that sorting through years of accumulated stuff can be *emotionally* taxing for them. Have you considered renting an Airbnb for your visits to avoid allergens? Also, regular cleaning could help, but you might need to dig deeper if it’s really bad. Getting a dehumidifier or HEPA filter could make a huge difference too!
I hear you, cutting ties isn't the answer here! But you really should consider staying with a friend or in a hotel to limit exposure while you figure this out. Antihistamines can really help too!
Hey! It sounds like you might want to start taking antihistamines a day before your visits. It seems like allergies are definitely a big factor here and medications could really help. And if it’s too overwhelming for your family to declutter all at once, maybe focus on one area at a time. It's a gradual process, but small wins can really help!
Definitely invest in a HEPA filter fan! They do wonders for air quality and might help you breathe easier while you're there.
Yeah, they really are on board and want to tackle the cleaning! Renting an Airbnb isn’t an option where we are, though, so I’m hoping we find a solution in-house. I've been trying to take it step-by-step. I’ll definitely look into dehumidifiers and air filters, thanks for that suggestion!