One in four Americans suffers from allergies. Many allergies are caused by outdoor allergens such as pollen, but they easily find their way indoors and
cause health problems inside. Other common household allergens include mold, dust mites and pet dander. There are several steps homeowners can take to help reduce the amount of allergens in their homes. Most of the necessary steps are relatively inexpensive, though some require a bit more time and money.
Cleaning Habits
The first step to reducing allergens is increasing and improving your
cleaning habits. This will significantly help reduce all types of household
allergens.
- Dusting: This is an extremely effective way to control dust mite populations and pet dander. Use dust cloths made of electrostatic material. They are more effective than a conventional rag, as they capture 90% of dust particles and don't require the use of chemical-based dust sprays. Good quality electrostatic dust cloths are eco-friendly, as they can be washed and used many times.
- Limit Clutter: Avoid keeping clutter around your house. From piles of magazines to stuffed animals, dust mites thrive in these areas. Keep
magazine piles in a covered bin outside. Consider making your home stuffed-animal free by donating the plush toys to a charity. This will significantly reduce dust mites in your home.
- Vacuuming: Vacuum at least three times a week with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtered vacuum.
- Sweep and Mop: Pollen is often brought into a home on shoes. Increasing the number of times you sweep and mop will help limit the levels of pollen in your home. Additionally, those with severe pollen allergies should consider leaving their shoes outside on a porch or take them off upon entering the home.
- Trash Bin: Emptying the trash daily and using a trash bin with a
lid will decrease mold exposure.
- Bathroom Cleaning: Mold is common wherever water sits. Therefore, it's necessary to keep your bathroom as dry as possible. Towel dry the shower or tub after use, as it will help limit mold growth. If your budget allows for it, install a glass tub or shower doors.
- Laundry: Once a week, wash bedding in very hot water. Wash the bath rug once a week. Consider replacing bath rugs with a floor towel.
Ventilation, Humidification and Filtration
Allergen reducing ventilation, humidification and filtration systems reduce
the amount of allergens and impurities in the air. Make sure your clothes
dryer is properly vented to the outside.
If your furnace and A/C system do not have a whole-house ventilation
system, consider having one installed.
- Furnace and A/C Filters: Use HEPA furnace filters. Check the filters every few months to see if replacement is necessary.
- Air Purifier: Purchase an air purifier, an additional means for removing impurities. Place the air purifier in the bedroom of the allergic person.
- Humidifier Settings: Check your furnace and A/C system to make sure they are set to the proper temperature settings. Humidity levels should be kept at no more than 50%. Too much humidity in a home can cause excessive mold growth.
- Dehumidifier: Dehumidifiers can help reduce mold. Place a
dehumidifier in the basement. It will help reduce moisture and limit mold
growth.
- Air Ducts: Have your air ducts professionally cleaned at least once every year, depending on the amount of dirt and dust that has collected in
the ducts.
Bedding
Allergen-reducing and dust resistant bedding is crucial for allergy sufferers. Dust mites live in bedding, mattresses and pillows. This will significantly reduce the amount of dust that you breathe. Avoid feathered pillows, as they attract dust mites.
Carpeting, Furniture and Window Treatments
One of the most effective ways to reduce household allergens is to remove carpet and limit area rugs. Carpets harbor dust mites and even HEPA vacuums cannot remove all allergens. Hardwood floors or tiles are better alternatives.
Anything upholstered will attract dust mites, including furniture. Purchase leather, wood, or plastic furniture to decrease dust mites from breeding in your home. Upholstered window treatments, such as drapes or curtains, should be replaced with washable blinds or roller shades. Alternatively, regularly wash your curtains and drapes in hot water.
Windows and Doors
During peak pollen seasons, keep doors and windows closed. Caulk windows and use weatherstripping to seal cracks. Check around the windows and doors for trapped moisture.
About The Author: Marcy Tate is a home improvement blogger at Networx. She has been working with cleaning services providers for over a decade learning techniques for reducing household allergens.
By
03/26/2010
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