Clean Air with Filtrete

I can clean my house from top to bottom but somehow my kids still find something gross and try to put it in their mouths.  Luckily they are older now and know a little bit better, but with baby #3 on the way I know it will be especially important to stay more on top of house cleaning.  I recently read that because young kids organs and respiratory, immune and neurological systems are still developing, they may be more sensitive to harmful substances such as certain chemicals, particles and allergens.

Since most people with allergies develop them during childhood, Dr. Alanna Levine, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP), shared some of the ABC’s to help maintain a healthier home environment for children:

• A is for Avoid: Whenever possible, avoid irritants that often trigger allergies, such as products made of feathers or down. Use hypoallergenic pillows on your child’s bed, and limit exposure to perfume, talcum powder, hair spray, air fresheners, fabric softeners or other strong odors or sprays. Strong fragrances and odors may aggravate allergy symptoms.
• B is for Balance: Maintain a consistent balance in the home to help minimize allergens. Keep the windows shut and use central air conditioning during high pollen seasons to help protect children from pollen particles that trees, grasses and weeds release into the air.  These particles can harbor in the eyes, nose, and airways, causing allergy symptoms to flair for those allergic to pollen. Also, give children washable, non-allergenic stuffed toys when possible, and be sure to wash the ones played with the most on a weekly basis, in hot water at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
• C is for Change: Change items that are easy to neglect but are important for maintaining a healthier home, such as leaky faucets, pipes and other high moisture areas that are common places for mold growth. Don’t neglect their air in the home either. Change your filter every three months, and use a high performance filter, such as a Filtrete Elite Allergen Reduction Filter from 3M.

Luckily neither of my boys have allergies (yet) but I don’t want to push our luck.  Other than cleaning as well as I can I do purchase the nicer furnace filters, which I justify the cost that we only change them every few months.  I haven’t tried the Filtrete Elite Allergen Reduction Filter from 3M yet, but I do like that it removes 94% of large airborne particles, such as household dust, pollen and mold spores from the air passing through the filter.  It also removes up to 40 times more microscopic particles such as smoke, smog and particles that can carry bacteria and viruses, than ordinary fiberglass filters.

I used to think that since my husband and I don’t smoke, then our air should be fine, but there really is a lot hidden in it.  Changing an air filter is an easy way to help your family stay healthy, especially with Spring coming and all that pollen and other allergens in the air.  I personally have seasonal allergens and am curious to see if an allergen filter will make a difference!

VISIT: For more healthy home living tips, money saving offers, filter change reminders and more, Moms can register to receive seasonal e-newsletters through the Clear Advantages program by visiting www.Filtrete.com. You can also get these and more by following them on Twitter at @Filtrete.

Mom and More Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Filtrete and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.