Allergy-Proof Your Home

May 29, 2011— -- Your home should be a haven away from allergy triggers. And fortunately, it can be. There are plenty of things you can do inside your home to reduce allergen levels, from cleaning and vacuuming regularly to keeping humidity levels low. Here's an overview of 10 simple steps to take starting today. Your efforts will be rewarded with fewer allergens--and with possibly stopping them from developing in the first place.

Keep your home cool and dry

You should keep your home cool and dry to decrease mold and dust mite growth and roach intrusions. After an 18-month study, Larry G. Arlian, PhD, professor of biological sciences and director of the microbiology and immunology graduate program at Wright State University in Dayton, OH, found that levels of mites and other allergens dropped significantly in homes where the relative humidity was kept below 50 percent. To maintain this level, you may need to use your air conditioner along with a dehumidifier. (If you use a dehumidifier, be sure to empty the water daily--or better yet, have the machine run directly into a drain, if possible.)

To track the humidity level, buy a gauge (called a hygrometer) with a digital readout, for about $30. These are available at hardware stores or from allergy supply companies.

Get rid of things that have gotten wet

If any carpeting in your home gets wet--from a flood or a burst pipe, for example--thoroughly clean and dry it within 24 hours. If you can't do this, remove the carpeting, since mold is likely to take hold of the material. Also toss out drapes, stuffed toys, ceiling tiles, and upholstered furniture if they get soaked and you can't immediately clean and dry them. 3. If you must have carpets, think small. Obviously, hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors are ideal for people with allergies, but if you still feel the need for a soft surface in places, settle for a few washable throw rugs. Just be sure to wash them regularly.

Vacuum often

If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, frequent vacuuming is a must. When you combine regular vacuuming with low humidity and other precautions, the allergy levels in your house will decline--possibly low enough so that they won't trigger your symptoms, says Arlian. Vacuum your carpets at least once a week, suggests Jonathan A. Bernstein, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Cincinnati Medical Sciences Center, or let a family member or friend who doesn't have allergies do it. A vacuum that has a special double-lined bag, a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, or a combination of both will trap more of the carpet allergens.

Make your home a no-smoking zone

Smoke is a significant irritant. Secondhand smoke can trigger an asthma attack and aggravate symptoms in people with allergies. In addition, tobacco smoke has been shown to make asthma worse in preschool children--and may even cause it.

Ventilate your house

If humidity isn't a problem in your area, you may want to open your windows and doors and flip on window or attic fans to air out your house and help blow away pollution and allergens. Just make sure when you open the windows that you don't violate the ever-important guideline of keeping your home's humidity below 50 percent. If you're allergic to pollen that might come in through the open window, you can buy a pollen-proof screen to keep the stuff out of your home.

Run a low-odor household