We cannot avoid being exposed to all types of allergens, but it is best to allergy-proof your house as much as possible to avoid triggering allergic reactions. There are several relatively simple steps you can take to reduce the presence of allergens in your home.
In order to minimize the presence of dust mites, pollen, or mold in your residence – and thereby reduce the allergies suffered by the members of your family – it is best to incorporate the following precautions on a regular basis:
Remove Allergens from the Bedrooms
The bedroom is the usual breeding ground for house dust mites, so it is therefore the best place to start allergy-proofing. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that feed on shed human skin in pillows, bedding, carpet, and clothing, and they are commonly observed in humid and warm areas.
Wash your sheets and pillowcases weekly using hot water. This can help kill dust mites and deteriorate the allergen they create.
Likewise, wash your comforters and mattress covers at least once every two months. You may wish to switch to synthetic materials if you have feather or woolen bedding, because dust mites tend to hide in natural materials in your home.
If you have toys hanging around your bedroom from children or pets, you should clean the toys once a week. Store the lesser-used toys and games in plastic containers to ensure that fewer dust mites will accumulate on them.
Shampoo the bedroom carpet regularly and vacuum it weekly. It is recommended that you use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Use a moist or electrostatic cloth to clean hard surfaces weekly.
Allergy-Proofing Your Bathrooms
Your bathroom can be a huge source of mold, which can trigger your allergy symptoms. To help prevent mold from developing in the corners of your bathroom, use the bathroom’s built-in fan to reduce moisture when you’re taking a shower or bath.
Tiled walls and floors are easily cleaned and are water-resistant, so clean these areas every two months. Wash the bathroom rugs every one or two months, and clean the shower curtain and bathmat regularly.
Use special mold-removal and mold-prevention cleaners to eliminate mold in the bathroom. Keep an eye out for any water leaks, and scrub mold off of plumbing installations.
How to Allergy-Proof the Living Room
Vacuum your floors weekly and wash your floor mats and rugs regularly. If you have plants in your living room, you can contain the spread of mold by laying aquarium gravel over the soil.
Remember to close your windows during pollen season and use the air conditioning instead. Be sure to clear the condensation and mold on your window frames.
Allergy Specialists in Sarasota and Manatee Counties
If your allergies are getting out of hand, it is in your best interest to consult with professionals who can help minimize your condition and keep your allergies under control. Our experienced physicians here at Intercoastal Medical Group are here to help you keep your allergies at bay.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Intercoastal Medical Group’s Allergy and Asthma specialist, Matthew Aresery, MD, please call his office, (941)362-8640. Dr. Aresery is located at our Lakewood Ranch I Medical Building, 11505 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, FL 34211. You also may request an appointment now via our online form. We look forward to serving you and your family.
