Willmar Allergy & Asthma Specialty Clinic

Simple Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

.

1. Control dust mites. Keep surfaces in the home clean and uncluttered. Bare floors and walls are best, particularly in the bedroom where you spend one-third of your time. If you must have carpet, use throw-rugs that can be washed or low-pile carpeting. The single most important method is to put zippered allergen barriers or “encasements” on all pillows, mattresses and box springs. Wash bedding weekly, including uncovered pillows and stuffed toys.  Use hot water (131 degree F.) to kill mites and their eggs. 
   
   
2. Vacuum once or twice weekly. Vacuuming helps keep allergens to a minimum.  But poor-quality vacuums can put dust into the air, so look for devices that are proven through research to be more suitable. If you have allergies, wear a dust mask while doing housework and leave the house for several hours after cleaning to air it out. 
   
   
3. Air handling devices. Using a HEPA air filter in rooms can help to remove allergen particles from the air. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers can help reduce humidity. These types of devices can help to control dust mite and mold growth by reducing humidity, but remember to change filters as recommended by manufacturers. 
   
   
4. Prevent animal dander. Most doctors suggest that people allergic to animal dander avoid household pets with feathers or fur. But if you decide to keep a pet, bar it from the bed and bedroom. Cover vents with dense material like cheesecloth or special filters. Because animal allergens are sticky, it can be difficult to completely remove it from the home, so remove carpeting and fabric furniture, or use slip covers that can be frequently washed. Of course, the best option is to choose a pet without fur or feathers.
   
   
5. Prevent entry of pollen from outdoors. You can reduce the number of outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold from entering the home by keeping windows and doors closed and setting the air conditioner on re-circulate.
   
   
6. Avoid mold. Reduce moisture around the bathroom, kitchen and other wet areas of the home. Dehumidifiers will help reduce both mold and dust mites. Limit yourself to a few house plants. Fix all leaks and other causes of damp areas. Clean moldy surfaces. Rid the yard of moldy firewood and piles of leaves and weeds. 
   
   
7. Control cockroaches. Do not leave food or garbage uncovered. Use poison baits, boric acid and traps rather than chemical agents that can irritate your nasal allergies.