How to Live With an Allergy to Mildew

By eHow Health Editor

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Mildew is caused by a variety of fungi and usually appears in damp places. Allergies to mildew are usually respiratory, and can range from mild to quite severe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Maintain indoor humidity levels below 45 percent. Mildew needs humidity to thrive.
Step2
Reduce humidity with an air conditioner, and measure levels in your home with a hygrometer.
Step3
Use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels.
Step4
Clean air conditioner and dehumidifier vents daily, and change filters frequently.
Step5
Keep your house well ventilated at all times. Air and sun are your best weapons against mildew.
Step6
Opt for a home that has windows in the bathroom. Keep windows open slightly both during and right after taking a shower.
Step7
Ventilate the bathroom using a fan, and/or use a heat lamp to help dry up moisture if having a window is not possible.
Step8
Avoid heavy carpeting and wallpaper. Both collect mildew.
Step9
Pull up carpets if possible, and replace with tiles or hardwood flooring, or any other type of smooth surface.
Step10
Treat walls with an anti-mold/mildew primer if you want to hang wallpaper. This will help prevent any fungus from growing under the wallpaper. Avoid fabric or heavily textured wallpaper.
Step11
Use oil-based paint rather than water-based when painting your house. Oil-based paints seem to attract less mildew.
Step12
Eliminate or reduce the number of plants inside your house. They increase humidity levels.
Step13
Fix leaky pipes, broken underground drainage systems, and other sources of water leakage.
Step14
Put a low-wattage bulb in dark closets. Leave it burning at all times to reduce mildew growth.
Step15
Store out-of-season clothing in airtight plastic bags. Products that vacuum-seal are now available.
Step16
Clean mildewed rugs with a rug shampoo or any sudsy soap solution. Remove soap by wiping with a wet cloth. Dry in sun if possible.
Step17
Remove mildew from furniture with soap and water, or use a diluted alcohol solution.
Step18
Wash your shower curtain every week or so - or use a mildew-resistant liner.
Step19
Add a supplement of vitamin C with bioflavonoids to your diet - 1,000 to 5,000 mg per day in divided doses. It helps your body cope with allergens and decreases inflammation.
Step20
Use 500mg quercetin twice daily. It helps reduce allergic reactions and supports the immune system.
Step21
Wear a surgical mask while you clean mildew if you are very allergic. Take frequent breaks.

Tips & Warnings

  • Unfinished basements are a prime source of mildew. If at all possible, cover the dirt with concrete. Keep basements dry and well ventilated to reduce mildew growth. If necessary, have the area professionally treated.
  • Avoid using commercial mildew removers in your bathroom. They are very toxic, and breathing in the fumes can be worse for your lungs than the mildew itself. Instead, use solutions of borax and water or vinegar and water, or buy one of the nontoxic mildew removers that are sold at health food stores.
  • Clean the bathroom tiles frequently.
  • See a doctor if you are having symptoms such as chest tightness, continuous coughing and/or choking, wheezing, or feeling like you are short of breath. You may need an inhaler or another type of medication while you get the mildew under control.

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eHow Article:  How to Live With an Allergy to Mildew

eHow Health Editor

eHow Health Editor

Category: Health

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