Allergy Tips

Dust Allergies


Keep doors and windows closed to reduce indoor exposure to outdoor allergens, such as pollen.

Vacuum at least twice a week to control indoor allergens. Change bags often and consider purchasing a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

Remove wall-to-wall carpeting and cloth curtains, if possible. Clean them often if they can't be removed.

Consider treating carpets and upholstered furniture with tannic acid or benzyl benzoate to kill dust mites.

Replace your upholstered furniture with wooden, vinyl, or leather furniture.

Exterminate regularly for roaches and other pests.

Cover all mattresses and pillows with impermeable, plastic covers. Use synthetic products instead of feather pillows and quilts. Wash sheets, mattress covers, and blankets in hot water.

Remove dust ruffles and heavy drapes from your bedroom. Also remove knickknacks and stacks of books and papers or keep them in covered storage units. Clean and dust the bedroom at least twice a week.

Keep dogs and cats out of the bedroom because pet dander is associated with greater numbers of dust mites. A lower room temperature and lower humidity help keep the dust mite population down.

Mold Allergies

Clean and disinfect bathrooms weekly. To reduce mold, always run the exhaust fan during and after a shower. Keep under-sink areas dry.

Eliminate carpet and upholstered furniture in bathrooms or basements. They provide a perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.

Fix leaky faucets immediately.

Wash towels often using hot water and dry large beach towels in the dryer after use.

If you have a damp basement, bathroom, or any other room use a dehumidifier.

Pet Allergies

If possible, do not keep pets that have hair or fur. If you do have pets, keep them outside as much as possible and out of the bedrooms. Keep them off sofas, chairs, and other places where you sit, and away from coats and other clothing.

Wash your pets regularly. Wash your hands after playing with a dog, cat, or other pet.

Keep your distance from pet birds. Their cages contain numerous allergens.