Allergies Health Center

Tips to Ease Indoor Allergies at Home

Try these simple tips to control allergens that may lurk in your home.

Shower Power: Pollen sticks to everything. Shower, wash hair, and change clothing if you've been outdoors during heavy pollen times.

Sleep's Secrets: Sleep relieves stress and helps your body heal when fighting allergy symptoms. 

Fixer Upper: Updating your house? Hardwood floors are a great amenity -- and perfect for allergy-prone families.

TLC for the AC: Don't take your air conditioner for granted. Change the filter every month or so. Clean air ducts at least once a year.

Hibernation Season: When pollen count or pollution levels are high, hibernate. Try indoor exercise -- stretching, yoga and weight training.

Steam Heat: Vacuuming or steam cleaning upholstered furniture and carpets -- and doing it often -- helps control allergens.

Separate Rooms: Room air cleaners can be a breath-saver -- in the bedroom, kitchen, TV room, office, or wherever you spend lots of time.

Filter It Out: Use air conditioning during warm, humid months. You'll filter out 99% of all pollen and allergen-producing materials.

Beware the Breeze: Wash bed linens in hot water to kill dust mites. And use the dryer. Hanging clothes in the breeze brings allergens inside.

Tough Love: Many people are sensitive to animal dander and saliva. Wash pets often. Banish them from the bedroom. Send Fido outside.

Infant Insomnia: Chronic insomnia in infants has been linked to allergies to cow's milk proteins. Does your infant need an allergy test?

Toy Terrors: Children's stuffed toys can harbor dust mites. Buy ones that are washable so you can clean them regularly.

Pillow Talk: Keep dust mites out of the bedroom. Box springs, mattresses, and pillows should be enclosed in zippered allergen-proof casings.

Nightly News: Even if night temperatures are cool, keep windows closed. Air-conditioning keeps pollen and mold out.

Hobby Hazards: Could a hobby worsen your asthma? Paint fumes, wood dust, and other irritants in the air can trigger and aggravate airways.

Got a Basement? Then you've likely got mold. Install a dehumidifier, and clean it often. Stay upstairs as much as possible.

Mite Not: Want to control dust mites in bedrooms? Replace carpets with hardwood floors. Attach cheesecloth over air vents. Ban fuzzy blankets.

Deal With Dry Air: A little moisture in the air makes breathing easier for most. Turn on the humidifier if your house is dry.

Inside Job: Don't hang clothes out to dry -- you'll bring in loads of pollen and mold. The clothes dryer is your friend.

Food or Mold Allergy? Runny nose, itchy eyes, rash, and wheezing are mold allergy symptoms. Mold grows in basements,but also on food like cheese.

Get Bold With Mold: Banish mold from your bathrooms. Clean with mold-killing products. Use exhaust fans to vent steam. Wash shower curtains.