How to Keep Your Bedroom Allergen Free

When attempting to keep the allergen level in your bedroom at a low level, there are a number of areas you need to look at. Few households can expect to maintain a totally allergen-free home, but it is possible to push it lower than the threshold of the most sensitive family members.

Ordinary dust is among the most common problems although by itself, dust is not an irritant to the immune system of the majority of people. However, it often carries things that are, such as dust mites and their waste products. Dust mites are not normally toxic, but their waste matter gets into the nose and eyes causing chemical reactions. The body generates histamines and other immune system products, leading to the running nose and the itchy eyes.

Vacuuming at least twice per week with a good machine that has a HEPA filter and allergy-free bag or container is a good start. Maintaining low dust levels helps to keep the dust mite population in check. Clean any add-on, removable filters at least once per month. Replace units at least once every three months or in line with directions.

As dust rises through the air and moves through beams of sunlight, you can judge how thick it is. Anything that is more than a few dozen particles calls for an air purifier or air cleaner that can remove those particles from the air electro-statically. However, keep their use to moderate levels, since some generate ozone that can irritate the lungs in too high concentration.

If the bedroom has hardwood, linoleum or stone floors rather than carpet, the job is that much easier. Follow up a vacuuming with a wipe down that contains compounds safe for you. That will vary with the specific type of allergen to which an individual is sensitive.

Bedding is another area to concentrate on. Since the face is often close to and/or on the sheets and comforter the possibility of picking up allergens is ever present. Dust mite waste is one source since they feed on dead skin cells that we shed. Using anti allergen bedding such as removable pillow covers will help reduce the build up and exposure.

Look for allergy free bedding such as blankets or sheets that have been treated with allergen destroying compounds. However, also keep a nose out for any synthetic treatments that might produce skin rash or itchy eyes. Sometimes, cotton sheet treatments carry a compound to which some people are sensitive.

Curtains, drapes, or blinds are another place to look for sources of allergens. Dust is present here too, as are any other airborne materials that can cause a reaction. Cigarette or cigar smoke easily finds its way onto these surfaces.

Compounds in the smoke readily stick to the curtains or blinds where they can come into close proximity to your nose and eyes. When you touch them, those compounds make their way onto the skin. Even if your skin is not sensitive, those chemicals or biological substances can get into the eyes, nose or mouth through later contact.

Clean them with a wet sponge, but make sure they dry rapidly. A wet curtain, like a towel that is left in the hamper, can provide a medium for mold. Wash in the washer with hot water, at least 130F/54C to make sure all the spores are killed. Then dry at high heat.

For an extra level of protection, go over surfaces with a mild bleach solution (1 cup bleach, 1 gallon water), to keep them free of organisms that can cause problems.