9 Spring Cleaning Tips for Allergy Sufferers

9 spring cleaning tips for allergy sufferers

Date Published: Mar 02 2009

Allergy season is upon us and millions of Americans will battle the triggers that cause itchy eyes, runny noses and asthma attacks. While people may think their homes offer a respite from allergy triggers like dust mites and mold – their home may be harboring more harm than they know.

Angie’s List spring cleaning tips for allergy sufferers:

Wash your bedding weekly: Toss your sheets in water that’s at least 130 degrees and place dust-mite covers on mattresses and pillows.
Choose a solid surface: Replace carpet with a solid surface such as hardwood – this can eliminate 90 percent of dust mites. If you must have carpet, get low pile – not shag.
Clean up the mold: Mold is caused by moisture and can hide out in your bathroom, kitchen and basement. To avoid mold buildup, keep things dry as possible and fix leaky plumbing. Consider paint or tile instead of wallpaper. If you have excessive mold, hire a professional for mold removal.
Ventilate your bathroom: It’s a good idea to keep the humidity in your home below 50 percent. Too much moisture can lead to mold, mildew and dust mites. Run the bathroom fan to pull moisture from the air or open a window to help the air circulate.
Avoid upholstered furniture: Upholstered furniture traps allergens and is difficult to clean thoroughly. Instead, opt for leather, vinyl, wood or furniture with removable slipcovers that can be laundered.
Control animal dander: Keep pets out of the bedroom and bathe them on a weekly basis.
Eliminate cockroaches: Cockroaches can trigger asthma symptoms. It’s best to hire a professional exterminator to get rid of the pesky pests. In the meantime, caulk all areas where the roaches can enter.
De-clutter: Get rid of excess knickknacks. The clutter just collects dust.
Check filters: Every month, check the filters on your air conditioner, furnace, and dehumidifiers. If they are dirty, replace them.

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Comments

Permalink Submitted by Susan on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

I learned about not using carpet from CHILDESIGN [.org] a wealth of information, the non-profit National Center on Design for Children [& Parents! making parenting easier and kids better & safer]. Carpet creates too many allegies for children. They use washable carpet squares and recommend cork and bamboo floors which are greener and more sustainable [from good companies - they have some listed on their site] -- and cork cushions falls of kids,adults and favorite possessions far better than hardwood. Linoleum (totally natural from linseed i believe) is far better for sensitives - Forbo is a GREAT company with fabulous colors and look -- than-more-toxic-than-carpet vinyl [most chemicals of all].

Permalink Submitted by Suzanne on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

People should NOT be washing their dogs every week; it will dry out their skin and create problems for the dogs. People should try to brush their dogs every dogs. That will reduce dander plus the owners can see if the dogs have fleas or ticks. People should also use a good shampoo when washing their dogs if the dogs have a lot of dander.

Permalink Submitted by Chezna on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

Angie, I'm surprised. There is no strong scientific evidence that HOT water washing every week makes a significant difference compared to any-temperature every 10-14 days. Most any allergist will tell you this - yes, wash the sheets, but cold-warm water is fine, every two weeks is fine. The dust mite pillow and mattress encasings do help.

Permalink Submitted by Eric Olsen on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

While many organizations claim that hard surfaces help with allergies and asthma, there is no published research that has ever made that claim. There is published documentation from Sweden to the opposite conclusion. Check out some common myths about carpet and indoor air pollution at http://www.neirc.org/10_carpetmyths.htm

Permalink Submitted by jen on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

whoa- i completely disagree with the 'wash your pets weekly' suggestion. if you're that sensitive to dander, then don't have pets. washing cats, dogs, etc., weekly will not only stress them out but will dry out their natural oils from their skin. i agree with suzanne on this. all the other suggestions are good ones.

Permalink Submitted by cal on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

Regarding hard surface flooring to eliminate allergens, in Government buildings in Sweden they found that carpets acted as filters to capture allergens. Regular vacuuming "emptied" the filter. Swirling and floating of allergens was reduced, improving indoor air quality.

Permalink Submitted by angie on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

weekly dog washing sure hit a sensitive spot. its the soap, not the water that dries out the dogs skin. you should use as mild shampoo on dogs followed by a good conditioner, just as you would your own scalp. The only thing about bath time that stresses out my dogs is when I don't let them in the tub with me. I've known lots of dogs that swim every day and never experience skin problems.

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