• It is believed that approximately 20% to 30% of the Indian population experiences at least one allergy, according to the statistics from the National Health Portal of India. Out of this demographic, about 15% also develop asthma. Some prevalent allergic conditions include asthma, allergic rhinitis, anaphylaxis, drug allergies, food allergies, insect allergies, eczema, and urticaria. Children in urban areas are more susceptible to allergies, with males affected more than females.

• Allergens can be categorized into host-specific or environment-specific types. Host-specific allergens are linked to the individual experiencing the allergic reactions. Factors such as heredity, sex, race, and age are considered host-specific, with heredity being the most critical. Environment-specific factors relate to the cleanliness of one’s surroundings. The latest cases of allergies appear to be due to environment-specific allergens. Consequently, maintaining a clean environment is one of the primary recommendations for combating allergens. Keeping your living space tidy might require a financial investment in repairs. This is where HDFC ERGO home insurance is beneficial, as it limits your out-of-pocket expenses.

• Allergies within Indian households can be prevented if specific measures are taken. Embracing a clean lifestyle will aid in eliminating negativity and improving the quality of your life. Moreover, without allergies, you are likely to feel more energetic, which can boost your overall happiness.

Here are nine approaches to create a hypoallergenic environment in your home:-

1. Clean and detox your home-
   It is generally accepted that indoor air quality is two to five times worse than that outdoors. You can enhance the air quality inside your home by cleaning it effectively. Ensure to declutter by getting rid of items you no longer use. Additionally, dust all surfaces to eliminate dust particles from your living space.
   
2. Beat the moulds in the house-
   Mould typically appears in moist areas. Water leaks are the main cause of dark mould growth in residences. You should verify that your home is free from leaks and is adequately waterproofed. Occasionally, water leaks may be difficult to identify; therefore, having them inspected every two years is advisable. Your home insurance may cover mould issues and related repairs.
   
3. Replace your old vacuum cleaner with the new one-
   You should maintain and change your vacuum cleaner bag regularly. Without regular cleaning of the bag, dust may scatter throughout your home. For a more thorough clean, utilize a damp cloth to capture dust particles. Using both the vacuum cleaner and a wet cloth simultaneously leads to effective cleaning.
   
4. Overwatering your plants-
   Indoor plants require only a modest amount of water and sunlight. Overwatering can lead to mould growth in your home. Ensure to prevent moulds caused by excessive watering of plants. Water them just enough to meet their needs. Any surplus water may harm both the plants and your house.
   
5. Wash your linens-
   All linens, including bed sheets, towels, curtains, etc. , should consistently be laundered with a high-quality detergent in warm water. Additionally, you should opt for natural fabrics when buying linens for your home. Heavy materials and those that attract fur and hair should be avoided at all costs. Furthermore, you should take a shower prior to sleeping and make sure that the linen is thoroughly cleaned before lying down.
   
6. Keep your pets away from bedrooms-
   Pets are known to provoke allergies, and if your pets are causing allergies in you or your family, it’s advisable to keep them out of your bedroom. A suitable environment for a pet should be outdoors, and you should refrain from having pets in indoor spaces. Moreover, you should steer clear of thick fabrics as they can attract animal fur and hair.
   
7. Remove the shoes outside your house-
   Shoes worn outdoors can carry various dust particles into your home. You should not wear shoes inside your house, and you should take off the shoes outside the premises. Bringing shoes inside will introduce dust particles into your indoor environment that are hard to remove.
   
8. Low maintenance paints-
   Contemporary paints are available in low-maintenance varieties that can be cleaned with ease. You should choose washable paints for your home and clean the walls with a damp cloth if they become dirty. You should make sure that dust particles do not accumulate on the walls, and wash with a washable fabric regularly.
   
9. Check the moisture level of your house-
   If the moisture level in your home is elevated, mould will be attracted to your living space. Water can infiltrate areas that are not visible. You should monitor the moisture level and consult with experts if the moisture level is high. Moisture meters can be utilized to monitor the moisture level.

• Conclusion
• The steps outlined above can assist you in making your home hypoallergenic. However, even with all these steps, mould may still develop in your home. To eliminate mould, you might need to invest additional funds. This is where home insurance becomes beneficial. The home insurance from insurance providers can be used to cover the repair costs of your property. This will lessen out-of-pocket expenses and mitigate the damage incurred due to allergens.

• Disclaimer:
• The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For further information, please consult the policy wordings and prospectus before finalizing the sales.