By dramatically reducing the dust levels in your home, you can find much-needed relief from the symptoms of allergy and asthma.
A Dust-Free Home
For people with allergies and asthma, maintaining a dust-free home can make the difference between misery and health. Common house dust may contain a number of substances, but the most common are pet dander, human and animal hair, mold spores, bacteria, pollen, dead skin flakes, and dust mites and their waste products. The waste products of the tiny dust mites are often the biggest culprit in causing a severe allergic response.
Although it may not be possible to eliminate exposure to dust at work or school, careful planning can dramatically reduce the dust levels in your home. To achieve the greatest benefit may require changes in your home's flooring and furnishings. However, even limited adjustments will help to reduce your exposure to high dust levels.
Dust Collectors
Begin by assessing your home furnishings. Carpets, rugs, draperies, bedding, and upholstered furniture collect dust and are breeding grounds for dust mites. If possible, consider replacing carpet with hard-surface flooring, such as wood or linoleum, and use only washable rugs. Instead of upholstered furniture, use wood, metal, or plastic furnishings. Lightweight washable curtains or simple shades are preferable to Venetian blinds and heavy draperies. Bric-a-brac, books, magazines, and pillows should also be reduced or eliminated.
A Fresh Approach to Decorating
Embrace a simple, uncluttered style of decorating. If you enjoy antiques, choose pieces in good condition and avoid those too delicate to clean properly. Display collections behind enclosed glass bookcases, and keep surfaces clear except for a few favorite, easily cleaned objects. Avoid dust-catching décor such as silk flowers, doilies, baskets, or stacks of books.
Pets
Many dust-sensitive people are also allergic to pet dander. Pet hair and animal dander certainly contribute to dust levels in the home. It's best to find a new home for dogs, cats, or other animals, but if you can't bear to part with your beloved pet, keep the animal outside. If the pet must be kept indoors, at least bar it from the bedroom. If the sensitive person is a child with asthma, consult with your doctor regarding the risks of keeping a pet in the home.
Bedrooms
The bedroom should be a dust-free haven for those suffering from allergies and asthma. If keeping the rest of the home dust-free seems too big a task, concentrate your efforts on this room. Remove carpeting and replace with hard surface flooring such as wood, tile, or linoleum. Seal mattresses and pillows in allergen-proof zippered cases, and wash all bedding weekly in hot water. Wash curtains weekly, and avoid using blinds and shutters. Eliminate all nonessential items or store them outside the bedroom. If possible, store clothing and shoes in another room. Otherwise, clean the closet thoroughly and store all wardrobe items in plastic bags and boxes.
A Child's Room
If you are caring for a child with allergies or asthma, keep toys in another room rather than the bedroom. Store clothing and possessions in drawers, plastic containers, and toy boxes. Many colorful containers are available that will brighten your child's room while providing dust-free storage. Avoid stuffed toys as much as possible; instead, choose soft, machine-washable toys. If your child has a favorite stuffed toy, some allergists suggest placing it in the freezer for several hours once a week.
Housekeeping
Routine housekeeping should include a thorough weekly cleaning using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. Wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth. Do not use feather dusters, as these will tend to disperse dust rather than remove it. Outdoor mats and washable indoor rugs at each entrance will reduce the amount of dirt and dust that is tracked indoors. Use a HEPA filter in your central furnace unit and change it monthly to greatly reduce dust particles circulating in your home. Room-sized air cleaners also reduce dust in circulating air. Because dust mites thrive in a warm, humid environment, consider using a dehumidifier to help prevent the proliferation of dust mites.
Maintaining a dust-free house may seem time-consuming at first, but it will become easier with practice. And it will pay big dividends in relief from allergy and asthma symptoms.
