How to Allergy Proof a Bed

If you have allergies or asthma, it can be tough to keep your home free of allergens. When allergy-proofing your home, one of the most challenging pieces of furniture is the bed. With all of the soft coverings and layers of fabric, a bed can contain many indoor allergens that leave you feeling stuffy and miserable in the morning. With a few adjustments to your cleaning procedure and bed setup, you can eliminate many irritants from your mattress and bedding.

Things You'll Need

• Washing machine
• Allergy-free laundry detergent
• Allergy-proof bedding covers
• Large plastic bags

Instructions

1. Strip the sheets, blankets and pillowcases from your bed and launder them in very hot water with allergy-free detergent. You may have to go to a laundromat if your washing machine at home cannot handle large bedding such as comforters, or if it cannot supply water heated to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. If you use a laundromat, be careful not to get dust or lint on the clean bedding.

2. Slip allergy-proof covers over the mattress, box spring and pillows. You can purchase these cloth-like covers online or at most mattress stores. Then, remake the bed with the freshly cleaned sheets and blankets.

3. Keep all pets off your bed. The dander and hair can irritate allergies and asthma. If your pet does get on your bed, strip all the bedding immediately and clean it.

4. Place all stuffed animals and other plush objects that cannot be washed in a sealed plastic bag and put them in the freezer for a week. While this treatment will not eliminate existing allergens, it will kill any dust mites in the fabric.

5. Shower before heading to bed, especially if it's pollen season. This will ensure that you don't transfer allergens to the bed from your hair and skin.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results, wash your bedding once a week. Launder your comforter and other blankets once a month.