Steps for Allergy Prevention

The most effective, least expensive, and healthiest treatment for allergies is always avoidance, yet many people will choose medications and vaccinations, despite their dangers and drawbacks. There are many methods to help with avoidance. Using any of these methods is helpful in treating your allergies.

If you think you must strip your house down to bare floors, bare walls, and plastic covers on your furniture, you are wrong. For instance, if you have asthma or allergic reactions to molds or dust mites, there are some simple measures you can take. Keep your home at a consistent cool temperature between 68 and 72 degrees and keep humidity at a minimum. Always make certain there is good ventilation.

Since people spend one-third of their lives in their bedroom, it is a good idea to place the most emphasis on decreasing the possibility of dust in the bedroom. The best way to do this is to wash your bedding in water that is at least 130 degrees to completely kill the dust mites found there. (Make sure you choose bedding that can withstand the harshness of weekly hot-water washings.) Dust mites can become airborne during bedding changes. Allergic persons should not be present.

If you must use carpeting (wood, tile, and linoleum floors are best), then it must be cleaned thoroughly and frequently; the same rule applies to upholstered furniture, draperies and any other items than cannot be removed and washed. Make sure the person who is allergic does NOT do the vacuuming as the dust mites can become airborne and redistribute themselves.

The vacuum cleaner bag acts as the filter in most vacuum cleaning systems. Replacing the standard bag with a high-filtration bag and an exhaust filter are economical ways to update an older vacuum cleaner and helps prevent the dust mites from escaping and becoming airborne during the vacuuming process.

There are more expensive vacuums available with built-in HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters and a removable canister that can be washed. This system eliminates the problem with vacuum bags. As the older generation of vacuums is phased out, this development should be quite helpful in allergy control.

DUST CLEANING TIPS

*Purchase a good air purifier. Air purifiers literally purify the air and are very beneficial for allergy sufferers and asthmatics.

*Remove carpeting and install wood, tile, or linoleum flooring. Hard surfaces can eliminate ninety percent of dust mites.

*Minimize throw rugs; they are dust-catchers. If you must have them, they need to be washed in hot water once a week.

*Avoid open bookshelves; they are great dust-catchers.

*Keep all clothes in closed drawers or closets.

*Remove clutter. Place hard-to-clean items in closed drawers or cabinets.

*Install central air conditioning or window units. Keep windows closed, especially during periods of high pollen counts and windy conditions.

*Use washable cotton or synthetic blankets. Use easily laundered cotton bedspreads or coverlets. Avoid materials that have nooks and crannies where dust mites can collect.

*Your upholstered furniture is a prime allergen trapper. If you cannot purchase wood or vinyl furniture, put washable slipcovers on your furniture and wash once a week in hot water.

*Install window shades made from cotton or synthetics and use washable cotton curtains. Avoid mini-blinds and heavy draperies, both are very heavy dust-catchers.

*Do not use pillows made from feathers or foam rubber; moisture can become trapped, promoting mold.

MOLD CLEANING TIPS

*Wash shower curtains at least once a month in hot water and bleach.

*Keep the humidity level at a minimum inside your home.

*Always make sure there is proper ventilation.

*Never carpet the bathroom.

*Keep your refrigerator clean. Remove spoiled food promptly.

*Dry your shoes and boots before putting in closet.

If you or any member of your family suffers from allergies, follow the guidelines listed above to help keep your home as allergen-free as possible. If you are still suffering from allergy symptoms, see your doctor. He/she may have additional suggestions for allergy-proofing your home.

Chris Chenoweth, author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, writes articles pertaining to diet, exercise, health, and business.