Some tips for reducing common house allergens

There are some straightforward things that can be done to reduce allergens in the environment that can help to relieve both allergy and asthma symptoms.

Laundry Care
An article in the BBC news says that scientists have found that washing laundry at low temperatures of 30-40 degrees, regardless of the brand of laundry detergent used, doesn't get rid of some of the most common allergens that cause allergy attacks. They say it is much more effective to use a 60 degree water temperature in order to remove all or most of these allergens.
Unfortunately, switching from a 40 degree to a 60 degree wash generally uses a third more energy, and the switch from a 30 degree to a 40 degree wash uses a further 40% in energy cost. They found that rinsing laundry in cold water several times after washing at a 30 degree temperature produced results comparable with the hot water washes.

Selecting the laundry items that an allergy sufferer is likely to have in close and frequent contact, and adjusting laundry cycles for optimum removal of allergens in these items, while leaving other less important items at cooler washes or using less rinses, is a means of judiciously using energy and water resources while dealing effectively with the allergens.

Carpets












Carpets harbor allergens that are virtually impossible to remove. The best approach, if possible, is to remove carpets and replace them with a bare, hard surface, such as ceramic tiling or hardwood floor. Small cotton throw-rugs can be used in places for warmth and comfort.House Furniture
It is also very difficult to remove allergens from cloth furniture, especially furniture with soft cushioning. It is better to have furniture with less porous surfaces, such as those made with leather or some inert synthetic material. These can be wiped to remove dust from the surface and they provide some barrier to the cushioning beneath them, which inevitably accumulates allergens over time and use.Mattress and Pillow Covers
A significant portion of every 24 hours is spent sleeping in bed. So it is important to reduce the exposure to dust mite and other allergens that build up in mattresses and pillows. By encasing them in barrier covers, either made of synthetic material or very tightly woven cotton, it is possible to seal the allergens away from the person.

Curtains
It is good to have curtains that are easily machine washable so that it is possible to remove allergens from them frequently.

Dusting and Vacuuming
It is very important to dust frequently. The number of times will depend very much on the environment and time of year, but in some places it would be necessary even to dust once a day, depending on the severity of the allergies experienced. A minimum of once a week would be essential. A very effective way to dust, causing minimum exposure to the person dusting, is to use a damp cloth to wipe surfaces, so that dust particles are contained and do not fly around the room to settle elsewhere.

There are vacuum cleaners available that include HEPA filters to reduce the exhaust of dust and allergens. Unfortunately these are more expensive than ordinary vacuum cleaners. I own a Miele HEPA vacuum cleaner and consider the purchasing of such a vacuum cleaner an investment for future benefit.

Air Filters
Air filters are a great way to eliminate, depending on the type of air filter used, particulates and even chemicals from the air. This is a subject worthy of an article entirely in itself. From personal experience, I can highly recommend the AllerAir brand of filters.

Choosing whatever seems to be most relevant to a person's situation and moving forward one step at a time makes it possible to keep track of what has the most beneficial effect. Within whatever means available, even implementing one or two methods to reduce exposure to allergens may help relieve symptoms.