Allergy & Asthma sufferers: How to reduce allergens at home

For those who suffer from allergies or other health issues, such as asthma, you know how important it is to avoid the things that trigger these reactions. Our homes are actually one of the places which contain the most allergens. An ultimate goal for allergy sufferers should be to reduce the allergens present in the home so their families can breathe in clean air, reducing the effect of symptoms that are brought on by allergies or asthma. The following is a guide to the different types of allergens that can be found in the home, where they are located within the home, and how you can minimize the exposure of these irritants: Bedroom As sufferers of asthma and allergic rhinitis know, these conditions can often be worse at night. Since we spend night-time hours in the bedroom, reducing the irritants in this room can help dramatically with these night-time flare ups.

• Air quality - The most important measure you can take is to get a really good air cleaner (or air purifier as we usually call them) to remove any impurities from the air as many asthma and allergy triggers are airborne.
• Fabrics - Fabrics have a tendency to trap dust, a trigger for allergies. So curtains should be washed at least every three months. Clothes should be put away in drawers or hung in a closed closet to avoid dust build up. Area or throw rugs should be vacuumed daily and washed frequently. Also, be sure to look for the words "Allergy UK approved flooring" on the tag when purchasing your rugs.
• Bedding - The bed can be a big problem area for allergens if not cared for properly. Encasing pillows, mattresses and box springs in anti-allergy covers will reduce the build-up of dust mites and their faeces. All bedding should be washed frequently at temperatures above 60 degrees. Pillows should be washed every 3 months or replaced every 6 months to avoid dust mites making your pillows their home.
• Surfaces - Nightstands, dressers, and headboards should be dusted with a damp cloth at least once per week or more frequently.

Bathroom Keeping the bathroom clean will reduce the risk of mould growing and causing respiratory problems; however, you must also be cautious of the types of cleaners you are using because, these too, can cause irritation.

• Cleaning alternatives - There are alternatives to aerosol or harsh chemical cleaners, such as domestic borax and vinegar for use on the toilet bowl; vinegar and lemon juice combination for use on the shower curtain or other areas to remove mould, and undiluted white vinegar to clean tiles and shower heads.
• Fabrics - Avoid leaving damp towels on the floor or counters in the bathroom; these should always be hung up to dry. Proper ventilation in the bathroom is important to prevent the moisture from creating mould and mildew, such as keeping the bathroom window open during or right after a shower. All bathroom rugs should be washable and washed frequently.
• Damp - Some special Airfree purifiers such as the AirFree P60 model will actually permanently remove mould from a room by destroying the mould spores as they circulate.

Kitchen To prevent allergens building up in the kitchen a window should be opened in the kitchen for proper ventilation and air flow.

• Counters - All counter tops should be cleaned and kept clear of food or other debris that can grow mould or attract unwelcome critters.
• Sinks - perhaps surprisingly, sinks can harbour a lot of germs. They should be kept clean and sink strainers emptied to reduce this as well. Clean drains by using 8 ounces of vinegar mixed with 3 ounces of baking soda; pour into the drain, wait 10 minutes, and then run hot water to rinse the drain. This will eliminate grease and other debris from the drain.
• Stove - Electric stove-tops are better than gas for those with asthma, as it will reduce the fumes put into the air.
• Fridge - And be sure to clean out the refrigerator frequently so old food will not grow mould. Floors should be swept and mopped frequently, and towels and wash rags washed frequently.

Living Room

• Fire place - Although they look pretty, wood burning fireplaces can give off fumes and are more difficult to keep clean. If you do suffer breathing problems you should consider replacing your stove or fireplace with an imitation electric fire.
• Surfaces - It’s important to keep all surfaces dusted frequently with a damp cloth and the carpet vacuumed frequently, especially for those with pets; it should also be steam cleaned monthly.
• Furniture - Furniture can also be vacuumed under cushions and crevices to avoid dust mite build-up and remove any particles that may slip through the cracks. Avoid allowing pets on furniture and make them their own bed in the room; preferably one with an anti-allergy cover and easily washable.
• Plants - Remember that indoor house plants can be a source for mould growth, but using pea-shingle over the top soil will avoid this.
• Air quality - Running an air cleaner in the main room of the home in addition to your bedroom can be a big help in removing allergens from the air and putting clean air back out. Purifiers are also especially effective if your allergies are caused by pets.

This is just a start; there are many more precautions you can take in the home to reduce allergens and irritants in the air. Always keep in mind that the goal is to reduce dust, chemicals and allergens in the air. Every step you take toward this in your home is one more step toward living healthy and reducing the impact that allergy and asthma symptoms have in your day to day life. This article is all about tackling allergens in your home, we’ve also created a visual infographic guide to air quality in the workplace. © Image copyright Roger Templeman and licensed for reuse under the Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic Creative Commons Licence.