Allergy-Proofing Your Home
Whether you have indoor or outdoor allergies, chances are there are allergens inside your home. Indoor allergens such as dust, pet dander, and mold can be found throughout the house. Outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold can come in through windows and get tracked in on your shoes, clothes, and pets.
No matter what you're allergic to, taking steps to allergy-proof your home can help relieve your nasal allergy symptoms and help you and your family breathe a little easier.
To reduce allergens throughout your home
- Keep outdoor allergens out! Take off your shoes before you come inside the house, and keep windows closed, especially during the night and morning hours and on windy days
- Control humidity. Dust mites need humidity to survive; mold and mildew thrive in it. Run an air conditioner with a HEPA filter and dehumidifiers in warm, humid weather
- Keep your home dust-free. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to control dust and the allergens it contains; and consider keeping a HEPA air cleaner running (avoid air "purifiers" that may emit high levels of ozone, a pollutant that can irritate sensitive airways)
- Skip the harsh chemicals. Many cleaning products contain chemical irritants that can aggravate allergy symptoms. Look for environmentally-friendly cleaning products, or make your own with lemon, vinegar, or baking soda
Kitchen
- Make sure your kitchen is well ventilated and cleaned regularly
- Clean up thoroughly after meals and snacks (and don’t forget hidden areas like under appliances and the toaster tray)
- Keep food storage areas like produce drawers and breadbaskets clean. Store food in sealed containers
- Use lidded garbage cans, and take out trash and recyclables frequently
- Remove pet food dishes after pets are finished eating
- Check refrigerator seals and drip trays for moisture and mold
- Repair leaks (check under the sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator for moisture)
- Get rid of mold with water, detergent, and if necessary, a mild bleach solution
Living room
- Minimize the amount of wall-to-wall carpeting. Bare floors are best, or use washable area rugs and wash them frequently
- Avoid fabric upholstery, or use washable fabric slipcovers over sofas and chairs. Leather, plastic, wood, and metal are good choices
- Potted plants can harbor mold and dust. Keep the soil clear of dead or low-hanging leaves, don't over-water, and gently wipe foliage regularly with a damp cloth
- Avoid straw baskets, dried flowers, and hard to clean knick-knacks
- Replace heavy drapes and Venetian blinds with washable curtains or window shades
Bathrooms
- Keep the bathroom as dry as possible. Repair leaky faucets and pipes immediately — check underneath the sink and around the base of the toilet for leaks
- Make sure the bathroom is well ventilated. Run an exhaust fan whenever bathing or showering
- Hang up used towels, washcloths, and bath mats after use and wash them frequently
- Pull shower curtain closed after use so it can dry thoroughly
- Clean the bathroom regularly. Get rid of mold with water, detergent, and if necessary, a mild bleach solution
Bedrooms
- Minimize the amount of wall-to-wall carpeting. Bare floors are best, or use washable area rugs and wash them frequently
- Avoid down, feather, and foam-rubber bedding
- Use allergy-protective pillow and mattress covers
- Wash bedding at least once a week in hot water (130 degrees or above)
- Limit the number of stuffed animals in a child's bedroom (especially on the bed). Choose washable "friends" when possible, and store them in lidded containers
- Be sure to clean under beds and other hidden places where dust can collect
- If you or your child has a pet allergy, keep pets out of the bedroom (not easy, but very important!)
Basement and other storage areas
- Keep the basement neat! Don't let disorganized piles of stuff accumulate — install off-the-ground shelving for storage, and get rid of things you don't really need
- Keep storage areas well lit and ventilated
- Run a dehumidifier in humid weather. Empty the water tray frequently, or set it up to drain automatically
- Insulate cold surfaces that can collect condensation, like cold water pipes, air conditioner ducts, and well tanks
- Make sure you have proper drainage around the outside of your home to keep water from getting in. If you're not sure, consult a building or landscape professional