So, the leaves are down, our breath is now visible in the air, and the ads are already starting. Yes, the holiday season is quickly approaching and will be here before we know it. There are so many things to do and so little time to do it…unless, you get started now.
We all know that we should make lists and save up for the holidays, as well as buy ahead of time and wrap early. Although, I will admit, I struggle with that last one. However, there is one area that is often left to the last minute, and that is preparing for overnight guests that come to spend the holidays with us.
Not planning ahead can lead to a rushed and chaotic feeling in their arrival. But, it can also be a physically uncomfortable time for your guest if they have allergies, and if the house is not prepared for them. If your household does not suffer with allergies, you might not be aware of what you need to do or watch for…but, I’m about to share some information that will change that.
Day 260 Allergies
#1
A
Chemically-Free
Cleansing
Most everyone knows that it’s important to keep the home clean when people have allergies. However, what many may not know is that the cleaners often used for cleaning the home can be just as bad on a person’s allergies or asthma as the allergen is.
Heavy chemicals can trigger an asthma attack, just as heavily perfumed products will. It’s best to use natural products, such as a mix of olive oil and lemon juice to dust tables and other pieces of furniture. Make sure to get all the dust that tends to stubbornly hide in a light dusting, such as hard to reach areas in your stunning wooden plantation louvered shutters, or beautifully ornate table legs.
For windows and glass, try using a white vinegar spray. It works just as well, without the damaging effects of commercial products.
#2
Keep
Pets
at
a
Distance
An extremely difficult thing to do is keep Fido away from the family in the most wonderful time of the year. It will depend on the severity of a person’s allergies, but sometimes just keeping them away from the person is enough…not out of the room completely.
If their allergies are extreme, they might be better off staying elsewhere…the guest, that is, not Fido. The reason is because it’s nearly impossible to remove pet dander completely from carpets and furniture.
#3
Air
Purifiers
Serve
a
Dual
Purpose
Placing an air purifier in the guest room, and possibly one in the living area will help eliminate some of the hard to remove allergens.
Having one in the guest room will also provide a little white noise effect for them while sleeping. It’s often difficult to sleep at someone else’s home when you can hear noises…or even a silence that you are not familiar with in your own home.
#4
Dust
Decorations
off
from
Storage
When you pull all the holiday decorations out of storage, make sure you clean off as much of the dust as possible. If you store them in airtight containers, it wouldn’t be as much of a problem as if you store them on a shelf for months.
If you can’t wash them down, try using a blow dryer by turning it on low to blow off the dust. You might want to do this on the deck or in the garage though, to avoid all of it landing inside.
#5
Know
Their
Allergies
and
Instigators
It will help to know specifically what your guests are allergic to, and what triggers their attacks. Ask them ahead of time what information they can give you on this, so you can better prepare before their arrival. Here are some examples of what they might be allergic to:
Dust
Pet dander
Hay
Mold
Eggs
Seafood
Nuts
And what can aggravate allergies, other than the allergy itself:
Scented candles
Potpourri
Scented lotions
Perfumes
Air fresheners
When you know what to look out for, it’s easy to help protect your guests from these allergies. Due to food allergies, plan your menus ahead of time to make sure your recipes don’t have ingredients to be concerned about.
Just a word of caution; it might not be enough to simply not serve them nuts. For some people, if they are ‘in the air’, it can be deadly.
#6
Stock
up
on
Over
the
Counter
Medications
They will probably have their own medications to deal with attacks, but having a few on hand would be a good idea. Of course, I am talking about over the counter medications such as antihistamines, aspirin, and cold/allergy products.
Chances are they won’t need them, because they will have their own, but it’s best to have some on hand, rather than having to run to the store when the problem arises.
In
Closing
It’s not always easy dealing with allergies, especially in someone else’s home and during the holiday season. So, your guests will appreciate all efforts you take to help make their stay as allergy-free as possible.
