Indoor Allergens

General recommendations

• Wash all bedding in hot water (130°F) every two weeks. 
• Dust and vacuum once or twice a week to remove the buildup of allergens.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to collect dust-mite particles and pollen. Standard paper bag filters may allow the stirred-up allergens to escape back into the room.
• Consider removing rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting, especially in the bedroom. Use smaller rugs (throw rugs, area rugs) that you can wash.
• Use an air filter with a HEPA filter. This can help remove some allergens from the air in your home.

Pet Allergies

• Keep the pet out of the bedroom. Keeping the allergen out of the bedroom will help for a restful night and day.
• Make sure to keep the pet off furniture. It’s more difficult to get pet fur out of furniture.
• Groom pets often to reduce dander.
• Find a new home for the pet if allergies are really bad.

Outdoor Allergies

• Avoid using window or attic fans, which bring air containing pollen, mold spores, and other allergens into your home.
• Use air conditioning so you do not have to open windows. This will help reduce the amount of pollen and mold spores that enter your home.

Mold Allergies

• Don’t store firewood indoors. Drying green firewood can contain mold spores.
• Keep bathrooms, kitchen, and basement—places where mold is likely to grow—clean and dry.
• Check houseplants for mold. Repot or move them outside if the soil contains mold.

Dust Allergies

• Choose window coverings that are easy to clean, such as wood shades or blinds. Drapes are magnets for dust.
• Consider steam cleaning carpets when possible. In addition to cleaning the carpet, the heat of the steam kills dust mites.
• Keep the house dry. Dust mites thrive where humidity is greater than 50%. Plants and fish tanks add to humidity, so keep these out of the bedroom.
• Remove items that collect dust such as stuffed toys, wall hangings, books, knickknacks, and artificial flowers.
• Use pillow and mattress covers made from a tight-weave fabric that keeps out dust and mites.

Polluted Air Irritants

• Do not allow anyone to smoke in your home.
• If you have a wood-burning stove, try to use one that is airtight and does not leak smoke into your home.
• Be aware of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guidelines for burning. Visit epa.gov/burnwise to learn more.