Allergy-Proof Your Home
Take steps to allergy-proof your home
There are easy steps you can take to help keep as many allergens as possible under control in your home. Decreasing your exposure to allergens that you know you're sensitive to may help reduce allergy symptoms.
Here are some things you can do in your home:
- Keep humidity as low as possible throughout your home. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
- Put zippered covers on your pillows, mattresses, and box springs. Special covers are available in many national stores.
- Wash comforters, sheets, and pillowcases every 1 to 2 weeks, and in hot water.
- Remove all stuffed toys from the bedroom.
- Consider removing rugs, carpets, and upholstered furniture, if possible. Vacuum weekly — or, better yet, ask someone else to do it.
- Consider replacing dust-collecting blinds or drapes with window shades.
- If you have furry pets, consider finding another home for them. If that can't be done, keep them outside. If you must keep them indoors, don't let them in the bedroom, and keep them off the furniture.
- Droppings from cockroaches, along with their remains, can cause allergy symptoms. If you have cockroaches, consider hiring an exterminator or using roach traps. It's also important to keep all food tightly covered. Wash dishes right away and take the trash out frequently.
- If you have mold or mildew in your house, use a mold-killing cleaner to get rid of it.
- Use an exhaust fan to reduce moisture while taking baths or showers.
- Repair and seal leaking roofs or pipes. Cockroaches are attracted to water. Water also encourages mold and mildew growth.
- Find new homes for indoor plants because mold can grow in the soil.
- Close windows during the allergy seasons to keep pollen out of your house.