Introduction

What does home feel like to you?  For most people, home is a sanctuary, a place to curl up on a comfortable couch and relax; a place to escape from the commotion of the outdoors.  For those who suffer from allergies, first instinct may be to escape common outdoor triggers like pollen and mold spores by heading indoors.   Unfortunately, your home may not be the allergy-free sanctuary you expect. 

Invisible to the naked eye, pollen, mold, dust mites and animal dander are present in your home and may be aggravating your allergies rather than improving them.  However, you can restore your home to a place of refuge with some simple preventative maintenance and a little elbow grease.  This room-by-room guide walks you through the steps that will help you and your family feel better fast. 

About Allergen Avoidance

Allergy physicians tell us that humans are most allergic to dust and dust mites, mold spores, pollen and animal dander.  Avoiding allergy triggers altogether is definitely the best way to stop your symptoms, but is also unrealistic.  A common mistake made by allergy sufferers is to assume if they can't avoid all allergens all the time, there is no point in trying to avoid any of them. But, according to allergy physicians, breathing in airborne allergens is a cumulative problem. 

Imagine your immune system is a bucket. As you repeatedly breathe in allergens, the bucket starts filling up. Symptoms may not appear until your "bucket" begins to overflow and that's when you become miserable. Before you reach for medication, there are environmental controls that can help you avoid enough allergens so that your "bucket" won't overflow. Whether you're allergic to one or several substances, successful avoidance of even one of them can keep your "bucket" from overflowing.

 

Identify What is Causing Your Allergic Reactions

There are many different things both indoors and outdoors that can trigger allergies for an individual.   According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, we spend up to 90% of our time indoors, which makes indoor allergens and irritants that play a significant role in triggering asthma attacks and allergic reactions hard to avoid.  Identifying what bothers us the most and controlling what we breathe in can significantly improve our allergic reactions.  Some of the most common indoor allergens to be aware of are dust mite allergen, pollen, pet dander, mold, cockroaches, and overall air quality.

Dust mites are microscopic arachnids (spider family) that live in beds, upholstered furniture, and carpet where they can burrow down.  Dust mites prefer these habitats because they are dark, humid environments with a steady food supply from the skin cells humans shed every day. If you wake up each morning with a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing, you may be one of the 20 million Americans allergic to dust mite allergen.

 

Another common allergen in the air is pollen, particularly affecting people in the spring and fall. There are 35.9 million Americans who suffer from seasonal pollen allergies and most are not concerned about it being a problem in their homes. However, airborne pollen easily sticks to clothing, pets, and shoes providing free entry indoors. Airborne pollen may also float in through open windows or doors.

 

For some people, pets are a beloved part of the family, but their continual shedding worries allergy sufferers.  Surprisingly, pet hair is not the main culprit when it comes to allergies and asthma. Of higher concern are the dead skin cells that flake off like dandruff as well as saliva and urine that dry to form airborne particles. Microscopic pet dander is the main culprit when trying to control allergies. 

A less welcome critter, the cockroach, can also cause allergy and asthma symptoms because of the fine particles from dried feces and body parts that they produce and are then kicked up into the air by common foot traffic.  The Allergy & Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA) says that 23 to 60 percent of urban residents with asthma are sensitive to cockroach allergen. 

Similarly, airborne mold spores can cause allergic reactions or asthma attacks. Mold reproduces by sending spores into the air to find a place to colonize. During transit, these mold spores can grow anywhere and, like dust mites, prefer a dark, humid spot. Mold will eat anything from decaying food and plant matter to wallpaper glue, making its food supply abundant. Preventing the growth of mold is your best defense against spores. 

There are three other triggers that commonly affect asthma sufferers, but do not trigger allergy attacks: smoke, air pollution, and cold weather. Any type of smoke - from tobacco, a fireplace, wood-burning stoves, or burning yard debris - produces particles that can irritate the breathing passages and cause trouble for asthmatics, especially inside the home.    

If you can identify one or more of your specific triggers, you can make specific changes in your home to reduce their presence and conversely improve your overall well-being.

 

Getting Started

Allergy-proofing your home does not need to be an expensive endeavor.  With just time and hard work, you can reduce the allergic and asthmatic reactions you and your family experience.  As with any household chore, here are a few safety measures to keep in mind before you get started. 

It is best to have someone without allergies to do most of the allergy-proofing, but when you must do them yourself, use precautions. Disposable masks provide protection when dusting, vacuuming, grooming the dog, and using household cleansers. If you are particularly sensitive to dust or chemicals, use a more powerful mask.

 

Non-latex gloves protect hands from water and cleaning products. If your allergies tend to cause skin irritations such as eczema, this is an important step. Wearing cotton gloves inside the vinyl gloves will protect your hands from perspiration and for some dry jobs you can wash the gloves when you are finished instead of having to repeatedly wash your hands. 

When dealing with mold or chemicals, always protect your eyes with non-vented goggles.

 

Allergen Avoidance in the Bedroom

The average person spends 8-10 hours a day in their bedroom.  As a result, the bedroom is often where the greatest number of allergens exist, making it a smart place to start the allergy-proofing process. 

Dust mite allergen is a common trigger for eczema, sinus problems, and asthma. The mites that produce this allergen are microscopic, insect-like creatures that thrive in bedding, carpets and upholstered furniture.  Pillows and mattresses are a virtual paradise for dust mites, but their population and the allergens they produce can be contained with regular laundering. 

Start by washing all sheets, blankets, pillowcases, mattress pads and comforters in hot (140° F) water.  This temperature kills dust mites and washes out allergenic dust mite waste, the real offender.  Continue to wash all bedding in hot water every 10-14 days.  If washing your linens in hot water so often is a concern, look for specialized laundry additives that are formulated to kill dust mites at lower temperatures.  Commit to a regular washing schedule, which will allow you to get rid of existing dust mites as well as prevent new ones from invading. 

 Once your bedding is clean, follow up by covering your bedding with allergen blocking encasings to provide additional long-term protection.

  Allergy specialists and medical studies state that using zippered covers on your mattress, pillows & box spring will stop dust mite allergen in your bedding from becoming airborne and breathed in while you sleep. 

Unlike the uncomfortable plastic covers of the past that were hot and crinkly, newer versions are made of soft, breathable, comfortable fabrics.  Like an invisible shield, they completely trap mites and their allergen inside the cover to give you the perfect barrier of protection while extending the life of your pillows and mattresses. Many covers are also bed bug-proof, adding another layer of protection.

 Like the rest of your bedding, allergy covers still need to be washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, but typically can be laundered less frequently.  These covers need only be washed 2-3 times per year, assuming that you are washing sheets, pillow cases, comforters and other bedding regularly. 

Purchasing bedding covers sounds like a simple project, and it is as long as you don’t get misled by confusing labels.  Many retailers sell “fitted” mattress covers.

 Because they do not have a zippered closure, these covers do not encase the mattress completely and will not protect you.  Other misleading terms to be wary of are "hypoallergenic" or "resists dust mites". These terms do not guarantee that you are buying a dust mite proof product. Be sure to ask for lab test results or confirmation of the dust mite barrier efficacy if you are unsure. 

Regrettably, getting rid of dust mites doesn’t end with our bed.  Carpeting is another haven for dust mites. Every time you walk across your carpeted bedroom floor, their allergen is stirred up and becomes airborne.  The best option is to replace carpeting with hard wood or linoleum floors.  Since this is not always a viable option, look for low-pile carpeting or use washable area rugs. 

Just like with bedding, it is important to keep carpets clean with weekly vacuuming and frequent shampooing.  The best choice for allergy and asthma sufferers is a vacuum with sealed HEPA filtration.   HEPA filtration refers to the fact that the seams in the vacuum are sealed with gaskets to prevent air and particles from escaping from the vacuum before filtration. 

If you do not own a HEPA sealed vacuum, there are several levels of vacuums available for allergy sufferers that have advantages over standard vacuums. Some have HEPA filters included and others have HEPA-type filters.  HEPA filters are preferred because they trap allergen so it cannot escape back into the room with the exhaust from the vacuum. Choose the highest level vacuum available for your budget. 

 To increase the effectiveness of weekly vacuuming, there are home treatment products that will clean, deodorize and remove surface allergens from carpeting while vacuuming.  These treatments are simple to use and inexpensive. 

In the bedroom, dust mites also lurch in curtains, blinds, and upholstered furniture.  When choosing curtains, look for washable materials such as cotton or synthetic fabrics and replace horizontal blinds with washable roller-type shades.  Avoid upholstered furniture and headboards, instead opting for easy-to-clean chairs, dressers and nightstands made from leather, wood, plastic or metal.  Remove items from your bedroom that collect dust including knickknacks, books and magazines. 

 Even stuffed animals found in a child’s bedroom are a breeding ground for dust mites.  In a child’s room, store toys, games and stuffed animals in plastic bins.  Be sure to wash stuffed animals on a regular basis in hot water, just as you do with bedding. 

If you own pets, avoid keeping them in the bedroom.  If keeping them out isn’t possible, bathing them twice a week may reduce the amount of allergen in the dander they shed.

During pollen season especially, close bedroom windows and rely on air conditioning.  Since dust mites are composed of 80% water, which they absorb from the air, prolonged relative humidity below 45% will slow dust mite growth until the population is eventually eradicated. Running the air conditioning makes your home less hospitable to dust mites and mold by lowering the temperature and humidity. Keep window frames and sills clear of condensation and clean any mold immediately.  If you live in a cold climate, opt for double-paned windows.  

Air quality in the bedroom can also be improved with an air filter that has a small-particle or HEPA filter.  Adjust the air filter so that it directs clean air toward your head when you sleep, assuring you wake up rested and clear headed.

 

Closets

Keeping a clean and organized closet may seem daunting, but getting rid of dust-collecting items and keeping the space well-ventilated will help prevent allergy and asthma attacks.  A good rule of thumb is to use your closet only for storing laundered clothes.  Remove boxes and bedding which collect dust and store out-of-season clothing in zippered garment bags or plastic bins.  

You may not think about it, but dry cleaning involves the use of many types of chemicals.  Before hanging recently dry-cleaned items in an enclosed closet, air them outdoors to prevent potentially irritating fumes from being released into the air. Also remove any leather items from plastic bags.  The combination of leather, plastic and humidity from the air will turn your leather clothing into a Petri dish of mold.

 If you store shoes in the closet, hang them on a wire shoe rack to encourage air circulation and discourage mold growth.  For those seldom used special occasion or out of season shoes, store them in easy to clean plastic boxes or bags to prevent dust build-up. 

Although convenient, a closet laundry hamper fosters the growth of mold spores, which thrive in dark, moist hideaways. If the closet is the only place to store your hamper, choose a well ventilated one that can be washed and throwing wet or damp towels in the basket. 

 

Bathroom

The amount of heat and moisture build up from the simple process of showering and bathing make the bathroom very susceptible to mold.  You can inhibit mold growth with thorough cleaning. 

If possible, remove any carpeting in the bathroom and replace it with tile, vinyl, wood or linoleum flooring and washable rugs.  Remove any wallpaper and install tile or paint walls with mold resistant paint. 

Install and use an exhaust fan to reduce moisture while taking baths or showers.  Afterward, towel-dry or squeegee the tub or shower enclosure.  Clean and replace moldy shower curtains and bathmats and scrub any mold from tub, shower and faucets with bleach.  Caulk sinks and tubs every few years to inhibit mold growth behind the walls.  Plumbing fixtures such as toilets can also become homes for mold.  Repair any leaks immediately and clean them regularly to prevent mold growth. 

 

Many cleaning products found on the shelves of the local grocery store claim to make big cleaning jobs easier, but they also release fumes into the air that could irritate allergy and asthma sufferers and potentially harm the environment.  Shopping for environmentally safe products may appear to be an easy alternative, but as always, we need to be sure these products are doing what they claim to do. 

We associate the term "green" with products that are safe for our families, our homes, and our planet. However, many of the labels on such products are misleading.  The Federal Trade Commission has established guidelines that require the manufacturers of household cleaners to be able to back up environmental claims with proof, but they are only guidelines, not enforceable laws, forcing us to be own best watchdogs. 

We need to be wary of vague or broad general claims such as "environmentally friendly", "eco safe", or "eco-friendly". When you see terms like this, it's a step in the right direction, but look at the label for more specific information.

 

How to Understand Labels

Some words on labels do not give you the whole picture so you get the wrong idea about the safety of the product. Words on the label like danger and poison are not just on products that are made with harsh ingredients. Some products that are EPA registered may be required to have a danger-type label due to what the products does, not what is in it. If a natural product kills insects, it must be labeled dangerous even though it is not harmful to people or pets. Likewise, words that sound good (non-toxic, biodegradable, safe, or natural) may give you the wrong idea because the terms are not highly regulated. 

Start by looking at the ingredients listed on the label. If the label only lists "proprietary ingredients," additional information can be found on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).  This document tells you all the ingredients in any given product deemed hazardous, if you need to wear protective clothing when using the product, what to do if it is swallowed, the pH level (environmentally, the closer to 7, the better rather than closer to 1 or 14), and the flammability (it should be none, not applicable, or greater that 200).  If the MSDS is not readily available to you, you can find it with a simple internet search for "MSDS for (Product Name or Manufacturer Name)".

 

Ingredients to Minimize

While it is very difficult to eliminate all chemicals when cleaning, you can try to minimize certain ingredients or the quantity used.  Sometimes a substance that would be dangerous in large amounts is very helpful in small amounts. The products on the following list from The Sierra Club are harmful to people or the environment if used irresponsibly and should be avoided when possible especially in large quantities: 

Air Fresheners: Conventional air fresheners can contain hormone-disrupting phthalates, cancer-causing chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as d-limonene that can irritate your eyes, skin, and respiratory system and cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness. 

Alkyl Phenol Ethylates (APEs): These chemicals are found in laundry detergents, all-purpose cleaners, and stain removers. They are surfactants, which form a bridge between chemicals that don't readily mix, allowing products to remove dirt from surfaces.  Unfortunately APEs break down into hormone-disrupting chemicals which are become mixed up with household dust. Some even pass through our sewage treatment plants to wind up in our streams and rivers, which harm wildlife. The European Union and Canada have already banned some types of APEs from cleaning products. 

Antibacterial Products: Antibacterial products are not any more effective than plain soap and hot water, except in situations involving immune compromised individuals and they have serious downsides. Triclosan, a commonly used product, is causing deformities in tadpoles in U.S. lakes and streams and has recently been found in human breast milk. In addition, Triclosan may encourage the growth of "superbugs" by promoting the growth of bacteria that are resistant to it. 

Chlorine Bleach: Sold by itself and as an ingredient in many household cleaners, chlorine bleach is irritating to the lungs and eyes and responsible for numerous poisoning incidents every year. Once in a wastewater treatment system, chlorine bleach reacts with other chemicals, potentially forming even more harmful substances. 

Fragrances: Skip that "mountain fresh" scent created by synthetic fragrances. Many air fresheners contain hormone-disrupting phthalates. 

Glycol Ethers: Found in glass cleaners, floor cleaners, and oven cleaners, some glycol ethers are reproductive toxins. One of the more common ones is 2-butoxyethanol (aka butyl glycol or butyl cellosolve), which can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and liver and be absorbed by the skin from the air.

 

Monoethanolamide (MEA): A surface-active ingredient found in detergents, all-purpose cleaners, and floor cleaners, MEA may induce asthma attacks. 

Petroleum Distillates: Typically used as solvents, Petroleum Distillates are found in metal polishes and adhesive removers. They can cause temporary eye clouding, as well as long-term damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and eyes. 

Phenol and Cresol: Often found in disinfectants, Phenol and Cresol can cause diarrhea, fainting, dizziness, and kidney and liver damage. 

Phosphates: Largely phased out of most laundry detergents, phosphates are still found in dishwashing detergents. The nutrients they add to our water systems can result in increased growth of algae and plants, as well as an increase in the bacteria that feed on the algae and plants when they die. These bacteria rob the water of its dissolved oxygen, killing fish and other aquatic organisms.

 Spray cleaners: While convenient, spray cleaners are more closely linked to asthma and respiratory irritation than similar liquid cleaners. The fine sprays and droplets of cleaning products have been linked to increased risks of asthma, but using a similar cleaner in a non-spray form has not shown any increased risk. A simple switch can protect your respiratory health. 

Take a few minutes to look at what is under your sink or on the shelf in your closet and examine the label and ingredients.  Evaluate the products and decide if you want to replace with them a "greener" option when they run out. If you decide not to use the product at all, do not pour it down the drain or put it in the garbage; instead, call your local government to see if there is an acceptable method of disposal in your area - or if they will come up with one.

 

Living Room

In many homes, the living room is the central gathering place for friends and family and therefore sees the highest amount of traffic passing through.  Friends, family and pets come and go, tracking airborne allergens into and through the house.  To prevent some of the dirt and allergens from dispersing through the house, place doormats at each entrance and encourage guests to remove their shoes as they enter.  

To prevent the allergens that get in from building up, remove carpet and use hardwood or linoleum flooring or washable area rugs.  If removing carpeting is not possible, vacuum weekly with a vacuum cleaner that has a small-particle or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.  Shampoo wall-to-wall carpets periodically and wash area rugs regularly in hot water. 

When furnishing your living room, avoid upholstered sofas and chairs and choose furniture made of leather, wood, metal or plastic instead. Choose washable curtains made of plain cotton or synthetic fabric and replace horizontal blinds with washable roller-type shades that are easy to keep dust free.  Remove dust by vacuuming once a week with a brush attachment, and wash them frequently during months when you keep the windows open. 

Keep windows closed as often as possible and rely on air conditioning during pollen season.   Clean mold and condensation from window frames and sills as soon as you see it. 

 

Although they seem harmless, potted plants harbor sneeze-producing mold on their leaves, so it is advisable to move plants outdoors or spread aquarium gravel over the dirt to help contain the mold. Beloved pets are also a source of allergens, whether it is the dander they leave behind or the pollen and dirt they track inside the house.  Consider keeping your pet outside if weather permits. 

Finally, avoid using wood-burning fireplaces and stoves because smoke and gasses can worsen respiratory allergies whereas most natural gas fireplaces won't cause this problem.

 

 

Laundry Room Tips

The laundry room might not be first on your list for allergy proofing, but left unchecked can become a collection center for dust and mold.  To keep dust and lint at bay, use a damp cloth to wipe around the appliances and occasionally wipe in and around the washing machine lid, a favorite hideout for mold and scum.  Dust regularly underneath the washing machine and dryer.  Don't allow the drier to vent into the house. 

Keep the room well-ventilated, especially if you use bleach.  If you have sensitive skin, use fragrance- and dye-free detergents or run your clothes through an extra rinse cycle. 

To prevent mold growth, avoid hanging wet clothes in an enclosed laundry room and leave the washing machine lid open when not in use. 

 

Basement

Just like with other rooms in the house, carpeting in the basement should be kept clean with thorough vacuuming and regular shampooing.  If for any reason the carpet becomes moldy or water-damaged, it should be replaced immediately. In place of carpeting, consider installing vinyl or linoleum flooring or keep concrete flooring covered with washable area rugs.

When shopping for furniture for the basement, avoid upholstered sofas and chairs and choose furniture made of leather, wood, metal or plastic.  If the basement is mainly used for storage, keep collectibles and clothes in easy to clean plastic storage bins. 

Check the foundation, windows and stairwells often for signs of a leak or water damage.  If laundry machines are kept in the basement be sure to vent them outdoors and whenever possible, use a dehumidifier to reduce dampness.

 

Humidity

 Since mold only grows where there is moisture, the key to mold control is moisture control.  It may be impossible to get rid of mold spores in your home's air, but you can make your home unattractive to mold growth. This goes for the basement and the rest of the house.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping indoor humidity low to prevent moisture build up in the home, which in turn could lead to mold.  They recommend keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent).

Relative humidity can be measured with a hygrometer.  This small, inexpensive tool measures the amount of moisture or humidity in the home and can be a useful tool for monitoring your home's humidity levels all year long. 

In any given home on a summer day, humidity levels from room to room can range from 50-100%. Air conditioning and electric dehumidifiers are the most effective ways to control indoor humidity levels. Other simple tasks that reduce humidity in your home include venting appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves and kerosene heaters, to the outside. Run the bathroom fan or open a window when showering. In the kitchen, use exhaust fans or open windows while cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing. 

If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes act quickly to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

Check humidity often and monitor levels in all room of your home as dust mites and mold spores thrive in a humid environment.

Kitchen

Air quality and humidity can be just as much of a concern in the kitchen as in the basement or in a dusty closet.  Be sure to install and use a vented exhaust fan to remove cooking fumes and reduce moisture. Most stove-top hoods simply filter cooking particulates without venting outside.

Check under-sink cabinets for plumbing leaks. Dark cabinet are a prime spot for mold growth when pipes drip. Pull everything out of the cabinet and inspect the interior carefully for signs of leaks. Also look for mouse droppings and cockroaches, since rodents and bugs can trigger allergies, too. Get leaks fixed, seal holes, clean the area, and keep it tidy and dry to eliminate irritant build-up. 

Daily chores like cleaning countertops with detergent and water, washing dishes and scrubbing the sink and faucets will also reduce mold.  In the refrigerator, wipe up excessive moisture.  Discard moldy or out-of-date food and store fresh food in sealed containers.

Keeping the kitchen free of food crumbs will reduce the chance of rodents or cockroaches taking up residence. Place food waste and garbage in a can with an insect-proof lid and empty trash daily.  

As part of your ongoing maintenance, check around the doors of your refrigerator and replace any moldy rubber seals. When needed, replace broken tiles and caulk sinks every few years to discourage mold growth.

 

Entire House

Simple acts can make a big difference when allergy proofing your home.  Adjust the temperature of your home.  Hot, humid houses are breeding grounds for dust mites and mold.  Maintain temperature at 70° F and clean or replace small-particle filters in central heating and cooling systems and in-room air conditioners at least once a month. 

Control the population of cockroaches and mice with inexpensive traps from the hardware store. If that's not effective, hire a professional exterminator.   To remove allergy-triggering insect and mouse residue, thoroughly vacuum carpeting and wash hard surfaces.   To prevent re-infestation, seal cracks or other possible entryways. 

Close doors and windows during warm weather and use air conditioning and dehumidifiers.   Do not allow anyone to smoke indoors.  

Keep dust at bay by damp-mopping wood or linoleum flooring and vacuuming carpeting. Use a vacuum cleaner with a small-particle or a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. 

Use a damp cloth to clean other surfaces, including the tops of doors, window sills and window frames. If you have allergies, either wear a dust mask or get someone who doesn't have allergies to do this job.   To clean mold from household fixtures, use a solution of 5 percent chlorine bleach and wear a protective mask. 

Giving your house a thorough cleaning from top to bottom may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be done all at once.  With a little planning, the cleaning tasks can be spread over a few days, weeks and even months. Create a calendar to remind you when bed linens need to be washed, when carpets should be shampooed and when to replace filters in the air conditioning and heating units.  Committing to a cleaning schedule and sticking with it will reduce allergens in your home and your reactions to them.