Reducing Allergens Around Your Home

Basic, thorough housekeeping can make a remarkable difference in reducing allergens in your home. Allergens travel through the air and land on surfaces - so by cleaning these surfaces, you are removing allergens and preventing exposure.

In addition, there are some common sense actions that you can consider taking to prevent allergens and allergic reactions. These investments not only make it easier to clean your home, but they can reduce the hiding places for allergens like dust mites, pollen, dander and cockroach residue.

• Choose wood, tile, or linoleum flooring whenever possible.
  Use washable throw rugs, and launder them weekly.
• Remove carpets if/where possible.
  The first priority should be to remove carpet in the bedroom of any family member with allergies or asthma. Removing carpet can eliminate over 90% of dust mites in a room!
• Try to avoid upholstered furniture; or, select furnishings with washable slipcovers.
  Also avoid ornate furniture, as simple lines catch less dust. Instead, consider simple wood, leather, vinyl, or rubberized canvas furniture.
• Consider replacing other soft furnishings such as draperies and horizontal blinds.
  These can collect dust and other allergens. Try wood furniture with washable seating pads/pillows and vertical blinds instead.
• Keep dust catchers encased.
  Do not use open bookshelves, and store toys, books and collectibles in a closed cupboard or closet.
• Use HEPA filters to help reduce airborne allergens.
  Try a vacuum cleaner bag with a filter, and place a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter in the bedrooms of allergic family members.