How to Decrease Indoor Allergies

Today's allergies aren't just from outdoor sources. Modern building construction makes it easier to control the flow of air, heat or cold coming into a building. This means that any allergens inside the building will have a harder time getting outside.
Allergy sufferers find themselves reacting to indoor allergens almost as much as they react to outdoor allergens, but it is possible to decrease the incidence of indoor allergens so you feel better.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter

Instructions

1. Have your doctor determine if you are suffering from a cold or allergies. If necessary, have an allergy skin test performed. Once you have an idea what you are allergic to, if any of your allergens are indoor, find ways to handle them.

2. Buy allergy-reducing pillow and mattress covers. Wash them frequently in hot water to kill the dust mites that dwell in your mattress and bedding. Wash your comforter in the hottest water possible. Wash your sheets weekly in hot water.

3. Move dust-catching items such as stuffed animals, candles, vases and other decorative items into a glass-fronted cabinet, if possible. Otherwise, minimize your home decor and store these items safely away. If you just can't move an item, clean it weekly by dusting, polishing or washing.

4. If your budget will allow, remove carpeting from your home and buy rugs you can wash on a regular basis. If necessary, take these rugs to a laundromat with extra-large-capacity washers and dryers. It is very important to make sure these items are completely dry to minimize the possibility of mold growing on them, which will cause serious illness or severe allergic reactions.

5. Sweep your bare floors daily to remove dust, dirt and other allergens that are kicked up by family members walking through the house, and damp-mop your house at least once a week. Buy dirt-catching doormats and place them right outside the front and back doors of your house.

6. Dust frequently. Buy dust-catching wands and dry-dust in between the times you use furniture polish or oil. If you live in a windy area and you have dirt being blown into your house onto the windowsills, install thick weatherstripping to reduce the amount of dirt. Pay special attention to dusting the dirt-collecting areas of your house.

7. If your house has drapes or curtains, clean them regularly. If they are washable, take them down and wash them every few months; otherwise, have them dry-cleaned.

8. If you have indoor pets and you aren't allergic to them, train them to stay indoors. After they roll around on the dirt and grass, they bring in additional allergens you don't need. Brush and bathe them frequently. In between full baths, damp-clean your pets using wipes specially formulated for their sensitive skin. If your pet requires grooming, have the grooming done on a regular basis. A pet with short hair will be less likely to cause allergic attacks.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase washable fabric covers for your upholstered furniture so you can remove them and wash them. As they are drying, vacuum the sofa cushions thoroughly using your vacuum's furniture attachments. Minimize the amount of clutter in your home. The less clutter, the less dust will collect.

• Beware of using cleaning items that may cause allergic reactions. Read the label and steer clear of highly scented cleaners. Be careful not to breathe in bleach fumes. This can cause a severe allergy attack.