Tips for an Allergy-Proof Bedroom
Spring is here, and with it plenty of pollen to make you want to take cover indoors. But beware, the inside of your house may be full of allergens as well.
With as much time as most people spend in the bedroom and its special attraction for allergens, it's important to be especially vigilant there. Here are seven ways to keep your bedroom allergy free.
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1. Clean Your Bedding Weekly
Bedding is a haven for dust mites, the most common trigger of allergies and asthma. Dust mites thrive on skin flakes, hair, soil particles, dust, pollen, and fibers from clothing. Dust mite-proof covers, which keep the pests from making your bed their home, are available for pillows, comforters, mattresses, and box springs. To purge the dust-mites from non-sealable items, wash your bedding every week, using water heated to at least 130° F. Dry your bedding in a hot dryer.
2. Vacuum the Bedroom Regularly
Carpet also provides a happy habitat for dust-mites. If you have carpet in your bedroom, consider replacing it with hardwood floors, linoleum, and washable area rugs. If you must have carpet, choose low-nap over high-nap (less surface area to catch and hold allergens) and vacuum weekly, using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Consider using a double bag and wear a dust-mask while you vacuum to avoid particulates that can be kicked up by the vacuum. It's also a good idea to shampoo your carpet frequently.
3. Use Light and Breezy Window Treatments
Say good-bye to heavy, dry clean-only drapery and use washable curtains of cotton or synthetic instead. Traditional blinds can gather a lot of dust, so switch to washable roller shades. Also, if condensation is a problem, be sure to wipe window frames and glass dry to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can cause upper respiratory symptoms in people who have allergies or asthma.
4. Declutter Your Bedroom
The streamlined look of Scandinavian design -- with minimum fabric, lots of metal and glass, and a conspicuous lack of stuff -- lets us breathe deeper. Bedding, carpets, curtains, and stuffed furniture all attract dust mites. The less upholstery in your bedroom, the better.
Books, magazines, knick knacks, and all kinds of decorative items are also dust collectors. Move them to another room – unless you want to dust your bedroom often.
5. Protect the Bedroom Air
Drier air inhibits the proliferation of dust mites and mold. Keep humidity low by using your air conditioner (no matter how tempting that outdoor breeze is). If you live in a particularly humid climate, consider a dehumidifier. Allergy sufferers also benefit from air filtration systems using small-particle or HEPA filters, which can be attached to your air conditioning system or used in portable units.
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