Allergy-Proofing the Home
Do you
often suffer from the sniffles and a sore throat? Your home might be to blame.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, between 40
and 50 million people in the United States suffer from allergies, and a large
percentage of them suffer from the effects of indoor allergens.
Controlling your indoor environment is your best defense against allergies.
Here are the most common and where they are found:
Dust Mites
These bedroom dwellers feed on the shed skin of humans and their pets, which
means that they can be found throughout your house. Because most of us spend
much of our time at home in the bedroom, they are especially populous there. The
most problematic items are your mattress and pillow, but you can protect
yourself by sealing these items in anti-allergen coverings and washing your
bedding and curtains frequently.
Mold
Any area of your home with high humidity or where water accumulates is prone to
mold kitchens, bathrooms and basements are the best examples of such rooms.
Mold thrives around cracks where water seeps in; around leaks in hoses,
dishwashers and toilets; and under carpets that are frequently exposed to
moisture. Paying attention to these areas and fixing leaks as they occur is your
best prevention against this type of allergen. Preventing mold also protects
your homes value!
Cockroaches
Despite their nasty personae, its not cockroaches that people are allergic
to, its their droppings. Unfortunately, the protein in their dung is a primary
trigger of allergic reactions and asthma symptoms. Attracted to humid, dark
locales and exposed food sources, cockroaches are big fans of the kitchen, but
they also swarm to basements with leaky pipes, as well as open garbage bins.
Preventive measures include keeping food tightly sealed and garbage containers
closed (or kept outside of your home), fixing leaky pipes when they occur, and
vacuuming and/or sweeping floors frequently to make sure food crumbs are swept
away. Another simple, over-the-counter remedy is to place roach motels in
strategic locations throughout your home. However, if your roach problem is
exceptionally bad, consider hiring an exterminator.
Pets
Proteins from dander the skin flakes that your dog or cat sheds cause
allergic reactions in many people. These proteins can be found in household dust
and lodged in carpets and upholstery. If you are allergic to dander, consider
that while there are no allergen-free breeds, the amount of dander produced
varies by breed, so some breeds may be more agreeable to allergy sufferers than
others. Try to spend time with someone elses dog or cat to determine if youre
allergic before getting a pet of your own. In addition, some studies have shown
that bathing your cat or dog on a weekly basis can help to reduce the amount of
dander shed in your home.
Cleaning, Room by Room
If you
suffer from constant allergies, one of the best ways to fight them is by
cleaning. Spring cleaning alone wont be enough to stave off dust mites and
cockroaches; in order to reduce exposure you need ongoing home maintenance.
Tip: Wear a mask while youre cleaning so that you dont inhale allergens.
Bedrooms
Wash sheets weekly in very hot water (130°F).
Wash other bedding regularly in very hot water (130°F) and dry in a hot air
dryer at least every eight weeks.
Vacuum your box spring and mattress; encase each in an anti-allergen covering
and wipe off with a clean, damp cloth.
Dust and vacuum all surfaces weekly.
Keep pets out of your bedroom.
Kitchens
Clean the inside and outside of your refrigerator monthly.
Clean crumbs, grease and water from stove, flooring, and countertops
regularly.
Empty trash cans daily, and clean them on a regular basis.
Clean the area under your sink, keeping it dry and reducing clutter. Dispose
of any paper grocery bags, as they are a favorite hiding place for roaches.
Keep food containers tightly sealed.
Wash and dry dishes as soon as possible after eating.
Living/Dining
Vacuum once per week more often if you have a paper and if possible, use a
vacuum with a HEPA filter in order to keep fewer allergens from circulating into
the air.
Clean light fixtures and fans monthly, using a clean, damp cloth.
Vacuum upholstered furniture regularly; steam clean furniture and carpets at
least once a year.
Keep your fireplace clean and maintained; dont store mold-prone firewood
indoors.
Basements
Remove carpet from slab concrete floors to prevent mold growth.
Periodically check pipes; fix any leaks.
Ventilation
Clean ductwork regularly to prevent allergens from building up in your central
heating and air systems.
Change and clean cooling and heating system filters monthly.
Bathrooms
Clean showers and bathtubs weekly, making sure to clear out soap scum in the
process.
Wipe up water around showers and bathtubs after every shower, and keep the
shower door or curtain open during the day so that the walls will dry.
Use an exhaust fan and/or keep widows open during showers to lower humidity in
the room.
Wash towels and bath mats often.
Clean the area under the sink. Repair any leaks.
All Rooms
Consider solid surface flooring (linoleum, hardwood, or laminate) instead of
carpet.
Regularly wipe dust from walls, ceilings, and furniture with a damp cloth.
Allow natural sunshine into your home to reduce mold growth.
Seal any cracks around the walls, floors, or cabinets where roaches can sneak
in.
Use shades or washable curtains for window coverings; wipe shades with a
clean, damp cloth and wash curtains regularly.
Clear out clutter get rid of dried flower arrangements