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Allergies Health Center

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Allergies Health Center

Allergy-Proof Your Home

Click the links to find out what you can do to make your home allergy free.

Kitchen | Living Room | Bedroom | Bathroom | Basement

Kitchen

1. Stove: Use an exhaust fan over the stove to remove cooking fumes.

2. Cabinets/Counters: Keep under-sink cabinets and countertops clean and dry. When cleaning, use a disinfectant cleaner designed to kill mildew.

3. Refrigerator: Wipe up excessive moisture in the refrigerator to avoid mold growth. Clean refrigerator walls and shelves regularly with a nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner or a solution of baking soda and water.

Living Room

1. Carpet: If allergies are severe, consider removing carpeting and using hardwood floors. If you use carpeting, choose low-pile and vacuum once or twice a week. Consider using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum cleaner. Go against the carpet's nap, taking a minimum of six to eight strokes over each area. Empty or replace the bag before it is full. If possible, have a non-allergy sufferer vacuum. The allergy sufferer should try to stay out of the area for 30 minutes after vacuuming. If that's not possible, the allergy sufferer should wear a disposable dust mask while vacuuming.

2. Furniture: Dust frequently with a damp cloth.

3. Curtains/Blinds: Launder curtains regularly to remove dust and dust mites. Avoid blinds or long drapes, as they attract dust. Use window shades instead.

4. Rugs: Launder rugs weekly to remove dust and dust mites, animal dander, pollen, and mold. Or shake rugs outdoors regularly.

5. Windows: Keep windows closed, especially during pollen season. Clean window frames and sills regularly for mold or mildew.

6. Air Conditioner/Fans/Filters: Filter the air, preferably using a HEPA filter. Clean air filters often and clean air ducts once a year.

7. Pets: Consider keeping them outside. Bathe them often.

Bedroom

2. Furniture: Dust frequently with a damp cloth.

3. Curtains/Blinds: Launder curtains regularly to remove dust and dust mites. Avoid blinds or long drapes, as they attract dust. Use window shades instead.

4. Collectibles: Get rid of dust collectors such as magazines, knickknacks, and stuffed animals, or store them in closed boxes or cloth bags.

5. Door: Keep the closet door closed.

6. Dressers/Nightstands: Keep dressers and nightstands clear of clutter and dust regularly.

7. Bedding: Launder sheets and pillows weekly in hot/warm water and tumble dry. Don't leave wet clothes in the washer. Wash blankets, comforters, and mattress pads monthly. Avoid downfilled pillows and bedding.

8. Mattress/Boxsprings: To reduce dust and allergens, vacuum both sides of your mattress for at least two minutes twice monthly or use plastic covers for mattress and boxsprings.

9. Pets: Keep furry or feathered pets out of the bedroom. If one takes a catnap on the bed, wash the bedding as soon as possible.

Bathroom

1. Curtain: Clean vinyl shower curtains regularly with a bleach or disinfectant cleaner designed to kill mold and mildew. Wash fabric curtains with detergent and liquid bleach.

2. Tile: Clean tile with a disinfectant cleaner designed to kill mold and mildew.

3. Shower: After showering, sponge or squeegee dry the shower walls. Keep the shower curtain or door open when not in use.

4. Door: Keep the bathroom door open when not in use.

5. Tub: Clean bathtubs using a nonabrasive, all-purpose, or disinfectant cleaner designed to kill mold and mildew.

Basement

1. Storage: Store collectibles and clothes in plastic storage bags.

2. Air: Use a dehumidifier to prevent mold growth.

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD on October 29, 2008

Sources: Sources

SOURCES: Environmental Allergen Avoidance: An Overview. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. March 2001. vol.107, no.3., pt.2.
Fact Sheet: How to Create a Dust-Free Bedroom. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health. October 2001.
The Allergy Sourcebook. Merla Zellerbach. 2000

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.