Reducing Allergens at Home

No matter what your allergies are, the best strategy for preventing symptoms is to try to avoid exposure to the allergens that cause them. If you are allergic to one of the common indoor allergens, such as house dust mites, animal dander, mould spores or pollen, there are steps you can take to help reduce the levels of these allergens in your home.

• Regularly damp-wipe hard surfaces and floors using cleaning products that are proven to remove indoor allergens.
• Regularly launder and/or vacuum soft surfaces.
• Keep all surfaces as clean and dry as possible.

If you or a family member has an allergy, take this into consideration when choosing furnishings for your home. The general rule is that solid, smooth surfaces are better choices than soft ones, in which allergens (and harmful germs) can get trapped.

• Flooring: It is easier to remove allergens (and germs) from hard surfaces such as wood, tile, or vinyl, than from carpets. For softness underfoot, use small washable rugs, and launder them regularly.
• Furniture: Wood, leather and vinyl are better choices than upholstery. Wooden chairs with washable seating pads are a good choice. Choose furniture and light fittings with smooth finishes; these trap fewer allergens than ornate items. Choose cupboards rather than shelves.
• Soft furnishings: Keep soft furnishings to a minimum. If you have to use upholstered furniture, consider using washable covers.)
• Window treatments: Choose vertical blinds rather than horizontal ones. If you select curtains, make sure they are washable.