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Living Room
Kitchen
Bathroom
Basement
Bedroom
There are a variety of surfaces in your living room that can attract allergens. It’s important to keep them all clean and uncluttered.
Spread aquarium gravel over dirt and soil to keep mold contained.
Keep pets off of upholstered furniture. Also, have someone without allergies give your pets baths regularly.
Use allergen-reducing sprays on surfaces in your home, or even in a hotel room when you travel.
Use washable curtains made of plain cotton or synthetic fabric. Replace horizontal blinds with washable roller-type shades.
The kitchen is not the first place people think of as harboring allergies. But damp surfaces can trap mold or other allergens.
Wash dishes daily, and scrub the sink and faucet to remove mold and debris.
Clean cabinets and countertops to keep bugs away. Check under sink cabinets for plumbing leaks, and make sure food is stored in well-sealed containers.
Most stovetop hoods simply filter cooking particulates without venting outside. Install an exhaust fan that vents outside to remove cooking fumes and reduce moisture from the home.
Avoid mold growth by wiping up excess moisture, and regularly clean and empty the drip pan. It’s also important to clean or replace moldy rubber seals.
Mold and mildew thrive in wet areas. If ignored, the bathroom can be a hotspot for indoor allergens.
Wipe down shower curtains after each use. If mold shows, clean or replace the curtain.
Keep the bathroom door open to circulate air when the room is not in use. You should also use a ventilation fan during baths or showers, to reduce moisture.
Use a paint with a mold inhibitor, or add one to your standard paint.
The basement is another problem area where moisture can collect and breed mold and mildew.
Store clothes and collectibles in plastic storage bins to minimize dust and dampness.
Consider replacing upholstered sofas and chairs with furniture made of leather, wood, metal or plastic.
Remove moldy or water-damaged carpeting. If possible, use concrete, vinyl or linoleum flooring.
Use a dehumidifier to keep the relative humidity below 50 percent to deter mold growth. Be sure to clean it frequently and change the filter as directed.
Check for and repair any sources of leaks or water damage to the foundation, windows and stairwells.
Do you love your bedroom? Many allergens, like dust, also love the soft surfaces you come in very close contact with every day.
Use hypoallergenic bedding with zippered, dust-proof covers to minimize dust mites. Wash sheets and blankets each week.
Use hardwood or linoleum flooring, washable area rugs, or low-pile carpeting— and vacuum weekly.
Keep your bedroom pet-free. This will give you one less allergen to deal with.
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