Allergy Season Tips: How to Reduce the Amount of Dust in Your Home

Annette Moore

One of the worst allergens in existence is dust, or more correctly, the dust mite, a microscopic little animal that lives on dust and burrows into our pillows, mattresses, carpets, drapes, upholstered furniture, stuffed animals, and any other soft furnishings. These little mites leave droppings that float in the air; once we inhale them, the wheels of an allergic reaction can be set into motion.

A good way to get rid of dust mites is to keep them from getting a foothold in your respiratory system in the first place. Special micro- porous covers should be placed over pillows and mattresses so dust mites can't get in or out; you can also buy pillows made with dust mite-proof barriers. Bedding should be washed every week in the hottest water; curtains and drapes should also be washed frequently. Don't use down-filled blankets or feather pillows; get hypoallergenic ones. Get rid of venetian blinds or mini blinds (they trap dust), and use shades instead. If you're highly allergic to dust, you may need to revamp your decorating scheme to do away with your carpets and drapes. And, sorry, but it's best to get rid of your stuffed animals. (If you just can't part with them, wrap them in plastic bags and freeze overnight to kill dust mites; then wash in 140°F water.)

Eliminate as much dust as possible, and you may find it helpful to wear a filter mask while you tackle these chores. When dusting furniture, use a cloth that's slightly damp so dust will be picked up instead of swept back into the air. Vacuum a lot (once a day, if necessary), and don't store things under your bed, they turn into dust-catchers that will also prevent you from vacuuming that area. Vacuums with micro filters are recommended (they suck up dust and don't let it loose), or you can buy micro-filtration vacuum bags to fit the vacuum you have now. Either way, make sure you change your vacuum bag regularly. A full bag can throw more dust back into the environment than it picks up. You may also want to try a special allergen-removal product: Bissell has one called Multi-Allergen Removal Carpet Powder that you sprinkle on the carpet and vacuum up. They claim it will remove twice as many allergens as vacuuming alone.

A lot of dust is circulated via forced-air heating systems. If your heating system takes changeable filters, try using an electrostatic one. It's very effective and you won't have to buy replacement filters anymore, but you will need to clean it once a month to get rid of dust and pollen; keep it in working order. You might also try putting cheesecloth or an air-conditioner filter in each forced-air vent to keep out dirt, dust, and other irritants. These filters should also be changed once a month.

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Allergy Season Tips: How to Reduce the Amount of Dust in Your Home