How to Allergy Proof a Home

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, there are approximately 40 million people who suffer from indoor allergies. You can reduce allergy symptoms by avoiding allergens that trigger your allergies. It takes only a little extra effort to reduce dust and mold inside your home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Vacuum
• Dust rags and mops
• Dehumidifier
• Hygrometer
• Ceiling fans and other fans
• Allergen-proof zippered covers
• Washable throw rugs

1. Track your home's humidity level with a hygrometer, available at most hardware stores. The advised level of relative humidity is 50 percent or below to minimize mold and dust mite growth.
2. Remove mold from basements and bathrooms. Use a mixture of five parts bleach to 95 parts water to clean mold from surfaces. Seal up cracks, leaks or drips.
3. Discard the carpet. The best flooring choices for people with allergies are hardwood, tile or linoleum. If you still feel you need some softness underfoot, opt for washable throw rugs.
4. Vacuum carpet and upholstry regularly. A vacuum that uses a double-lined bag and a HEPA filter removes most allergens.
5. Ban smokers from smoking inside your home. Asthma attacks and other allergies are easily triggered by secondhand smoke.
6. Launder your bedding regularly in hot water that is at least 130 degrees F. Protect your pillows, mattress and box springs from dust mites by sealing them in allergen-proof zippered covers.
7. Send animals outdoors. If you can't bear to put your pet outside, deny your pet free reign of the bedrooms, and bathe him once every three weeks.
8. Change your furnace and air conditioner's filters as recommended by the manufacturer. Make sure your dehumidifier isn't passing along allergens by cleaning it once every two weeks. Utilize ceiling fans throughout your home to circulate air. Run fans in rooms that feature water or odors, like the bathroom or kitchen.
9. Dust regularly. Use damp mops, damp rags or treated dust rags to clean hard surfaces and floors in your home on a weekly basis.
10. Keep your windows closed. The highest pollen counts occur from 4 to 10 a.m. Don't open your windows at night and leave them for the morning, because you're going to wake up to allergy symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

• If a mold area exceeds 10 square feet, contact a professional for help removing the contamination.
• Using a dry cloth or a feather duster isn't going to help when you dust. They just disperse the allergens in the dust back into the air.
• Don't over decorate with knickknacks. Dust collects on these tiny treasures and causes there to be more allergens in your home.
• When you have your water heater turned up in order to wash your linens in hot water, be sure to keep all children away from the hot water tap. It can scald them easily.