Allergy Proof Your Home

By: Lori Thayer

Allergy season never leaves for some folks. The best place to start preventing allergies is at home. Today we will focus on  tips for decreasing allergens (such as dust-mites and mold) in your home.  The effectiveness of these steps will vary due to what type of allergy you or your family members have.

Allergy Proof The Entire House:

• Hot, humid houses encourage dust mites and mold. To allergy proof: keep your temperature at 70 degrees and keep the relative humidity no higher than 50%.
• Clean or replace filters in Air Conditioning or Heating units once a month.
• Diffuse essential oils to clean the air and decrease bacteria and mold.  
  • Suggested Oils include Thieves and Purification
• If possible replace all carpeted areas with hard surfaces flooring (i.e. wood, tile or linoleum).  This alone can decrease 90% of dust mites. 
• Remove as much clutter as possible to make cleaning easier.
• Avoid upholstered furniture when possible as it traps allergens and is much harder to clean.
• Replace blinds and pleated shades with washable roll-up window shades. 
• Space heaters are a better choice than hot air ducts.  If you have forced air heat, use filters or damp cheesecloth over inlets to reduce dust circulation. Change every two weeks.  Keep beds away from vents.
• Weekly Cleaning to decrease allergies:
  • Use a damp-mop to clean wood, tile or linoleum floors.
  • Vacuum, be sure you have a HEPA filter to trap the most dust. (Vacuum 2x week preferably)
  • Wipe down surfaces, window sills, and door frames with a damp rag to decrease dust
  • NOTE – if you have extreme allergies ask someone else do the above steps.  If this isn't possible wear a dust mask and immediately after cleaning change your clothes and take a shower.

Decrease Allergies In The Bedroom

• Use allergen proof covers for pillows, box-springs and mattresses. (Wash every 3 months)
• Each week wash all linens (preferably cotton) each week in hot water.
• Use washable cotton blankets. (Wash every 2-4 weeks in hot water)
• Keep clothes in drawers or closets, never lying about the room.  Enclose wool clothes in plastic zipper bags. Keep drawers and closet doors closed.
• Open bookcases are dust catchers, keep them out of the bedroom or at least far from the bed.
• Diffusing essential oils to clean the air while you sleep can be a great help.

Clear Allergens From The Bathroom

• Use waterproof wallpaper if you must have wallpaper.  Paint is the best option as mold can grow under the wallpaper.
• Use an exhaust fan to decrease moisture.
• Towel-dry the tub and enclosure after each use.
• Keep the bathroom door open when not in use.
• Use washable rugs on top of a hard surfaced flooring.
• Use easy-to-clean tile in the bathroom.
• Wash the shower curtains once a month.

What have you used successfully to decrease allergies in your home?  Share your tips in the comments below or on Facebook. 

Interested in more ways to optimize your life? Receive regular tips to be more efficient, save time, enrich your life, and connect with others here: optimize your life