Home Improvement DIY

With many people suffering from asthma and other allergies one place to help reduce the problem is the bedroom. It may not be possible to completely remove all allergens from the home however there is still a lot you can do to reduce them.

Dust Mites – Household dust is normally the biggest culprit. It’s not so much that it’s dust which is the problem, rather it’s what is contained within it: dust mites and their waste products. The mites themselves aren’t toxic however their waste can get into you eyes and nose causing an allergic reaction. The body generates histamines and other immune system products, leading to the running nose and the itchy eyes.  It’s important that you learn how to get rid of dust mites.

Vacuume and HEPA filters – Vacuuming twice a week is essential plus it’s a good idea to use a machine with a HEPA filter plus an allergy-free bag or container. By keeping dust levels low you’ll help keep dust mist populations low too. Also make sure to clean the vacuum cleaner’s filters once per month. Replace units at least once every three months or according to manufacturers directions.  Carpet cleaning machines need to be top quality.

You can easily judge how much dust is in the air when beams of sunlight them. If there is quite a lot then you can buy an air filter to keep levels down.

Flooring Choices – The best type of flooring is one you can clean with a mop, such as hardwood, laminate, bamboo or cork. This will be much easier to clean the carpeting. When cleaning your home it’s a good idea to use natural products because chemicals have been linked to asthma.

Bedding – Bedding of course should not be ignored. We are constantly shedding dead skin cells but because we spend so much time in bed, this is where there is a large concentration of it. Dust mites feed on these skin cells so using dust mite covers for your bed and pillows is essential.

There are even some blankets and sheets which have an allergen-destroying coating. Also be aware of synthetic treatments that can cause allergic reactions. Normally cotton sheets will be find but it’s a good idea to find out if they have been treated with any chemicals.

Curtains etc – Don’t forget curtains, blinds and drapes. Dust can build up here too causing a reaction. Cigarette smoke can also linger in these places. The chemicals found in smoke can easily stick to surfaces and if you touch it they can easily be transfer to you eyes nose and mouth later.

Use a wet sponge to clean them and make sure that they dry quickly. When a curtain is wet it can cause mold to grow. If washing in hot water make sure it’s at least 130F/54C to ensure spores are killed. Adding some bicarbonate of soda to the wash will also help. Then dry at a 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.

 

Related Entries:

• HEPA Air Purifier Filters - Do HEPA Air Purifiers Really Work? If you are concerned about the health of your family then buying an air purifier is something that you may want to look at. Air purifiers are used in the home for removing pollen, dust mites, pet dander plus chemicals found in carpets and building materials. There are a number
• How To Get Rid Of Dust Mites In Your House - Dust mites in your home are pretty horrible. They have 8 legs and love to live in your soft furnishings such as your sofa, bed and carpeting. A lot of the dust in your home is actually made up of dust mite dropping. It’s a pretty horrible thing to think about but
• Best Chlorine Shower Filter - None of us particularly like swimming in swimming pools full of chlorinated water.  There’s something just so horrible about it on your skin and it gets into your hair causing it to feel dead.  But the truth is that the shower you take in your own home could contain just as much chlorine, if not
• Best Home Furnace Air Filters - It may not occur to you the importance of having a furnace filter which is functioning effectively, you might not even know what one is.  If you don’t know what it is and want to know why you should have one, then keep reading. First of all our homes are full of dust.  Dust isn’t just
• How to Buy Home Steam Cleaners - There are a number of different types of steam cleaners and a variety of uses. All of them have one thing in common, water is heated to produce steam and that steam is used to clean.  Other features of steam cleaners may vary from the size, small cleaners used for spot cleaning to larger units