Tips for Reducing Hidden Home Allergens

Tips for Reducing Hidden Home Allergens from Healthy House Institute

•   Use bedding items that are proven to be an effective allergen barrier including pillows, mattress/pillow encasings, comforters and mattress pads. Routinely wash the items in water hotter than 130 degrees Fahrenheit according to the custom care instructions included with each of the products. (It is critical that water be hotter than 130 degrees Fahrenheit to kill and remove dust mites and their eggs, and this temperature is often higher than the setting of a standard water heater). Some washing machines have been scientifically proven to remove over 95% of household allergens from common household items.
•   The use of some vacuums may actually make symptoms for some people worse because they leak dust back into the room and increase the levels of airborne allergens. Some vacuums have the proven capability to effectively remove various allergens and trap them within the vacuum cleaner system without leakage through the filter, seals, bag or canister/frame during use and waste removal from the machine.
•   Non-allergenic toys are an ideal choice for those concerned with asthma and allergies. These toys do not contain any fabric or fillings known to aggravate asthma or related allergies. Additionally, their quality and workmanship allow for the effective allergen reduction process of freezing, washing and drying, while maintaining all government safety requirements. Testing of durability and quality has shown that the right toys will withstand the custom care code included with each one.
•   Every type of flooring is a potential breeding ground for allergens, whether it’s carpet, tile, or hardwood. Choose floor coverings that have a low capacity for allergen retention; the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning procedures must be effective at removing accumulated allergen from the floor covering, and not contribute to a significant increase in airborne allergen levels that may result in redistribution of rather than overall reduction of allergens.

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