Learn what you can do to keep your home allergens under control.

Ten Tips for keeping your home allergens under control

  1. Eliminate tobacco smoke from an allergic patient's environment.Tobacco Smoke — Eliminating tobacco smoke from the allergic patient's environment should be the #1 step of environmental control. Studies show that children of smoking parents have 60% more upper respiratory infections than children of nonsmoking parents.
  2. Vacuum Cleaning — A vacuum cleaner which utilizes a HEPA filter is recommended. Whether a bag type vacuum cleaner or bagless, always empty into a closed plastic bag outside (not indoors). Vacuum one or two times weekly when patient is not present. Wearing a mask may help if the patient must do the vacuuming.
  3. Bedroom — Keep free of clutter, upholstered furniture, chenille bedspreads and knickknacks. Avoid under bed storage. Foam mattresses that state they are dust mite resistant still need to be encased as they will collect dust mites over time.
  4. Bedroom Closet — Store only current articles. Place seasonal items in other rooms.
  5. Vaporizers and Humidifiers — Avoid since increased humidity promotes mite and mold growth.
  6. Carpeting — First choice is tile, wood, or other hard floor covering. Throw rugs may be used. With wall to wall carpeting, it should be synthetic, short pile, with synthetic pad. Steam clean yearly. Should dry in 2-3 hours after cleaning, as increased moisture promotes mite growth.
  7. Wash bed linens in hot water.Fans of all types — Should be avoided since use causes dust particles to become airborne.
  8. Humidity — Keep humidity below 50%. Use air conditioning or supplement with a dehumidifier.
  9. Laundry — Use hot water wash in place of cold water wash for all bed linens including mattress pad every 1-2 weeks.
  10. Furnace and Air Conditioning Filter — Change monthly. An electrostatic filter is recommended. This filter is less costly than motor driven air filters, replaces the normal furnace filter and can be washed monthly.

Pollen Avoidance

  1. Keep bedroom windows closed at all times during pollen season.
  2. Clean and/or change air conditioning filters once a month.Use central or window air conditioning and change filters ar least once a month.
  3. If air conditioning is not present, cut furnace filter to fit bedroom window.
  4. Shower and shampoo hair as soon as you are finished working or playing outdoors.
  5. Leave pollen-contaminated clothing out of bedroom.
  6. Avoid newly cut grass.
  7. Keep animals outdoors as they carry pollen on their coats during pollen season.
  8. Wear a pollen mask when necessary to work in heavily pollinated areas.
  9. Air cleaners that are ionic or which produce ozone are not recommended as they may actually make respiratory symptoms worse.

Mold Allergens

  1. Avoid damp and dusty places such as attics, basements, garages and storerooms.
  2. Keep the basement and other damp household areas as dry as possible.
  3. Store firewood outdoors to prevent mold growth.Store firewood outdoors.
  4. Check closets, old shoes, boots, sneakers, etc. for mildew.
  5. Check stored foods for spoilage and mold growth.
  6. Check pan under refrigerator for possible mold growth.
  7. Houseplants and dried flowers arrangements should be kept to a minimum and out of the bedroom completely. Potting soil may breed molds.
  8. In bathroom, check behind the toilet, under sink, on shower curtain and walls for mold growth, clean with mold inhibitor such as X-14™ or diluted bleach.

If you have questions about which home allergens may be causing your allergic reactions, contact an Allergy Partners, P.A. office near you to schedule an allergy test. Once you know your specific allergens, many of the Home Tips shown above can improve your quality of life significantly.

Click here to locate an Allergy Partners Office in your region.

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