A Natural Way To Improve Your Allergies
If you suffer from environmental allergies like dust mites or
mold, then you can promote natural allergy relief by making your
bedroom free from common household allergens. The bedroom is the
first place to start when making your home allergy free. This is
because you spend a large part of your time in the bedroom when
you sleep, and it is important that you give your body a respite
from allergens.
Natural allergy relief focuses on allergy control measures.
Since mattresses, box springs, and pillows are the major
habitats for dust mites, that is where allergy control measures
need to be directed. Purchase dust mite bed covers for your
mattress, box spring, and pillows. These encasements are
purchased in the same size as you would buy sheets, for example,
in king, queen, or twin size. These dust mite encasings are
comfortable and virtually undetectable under regular bedsheets.
Another important allergy control measure is to clean off your
dresser and any shelves in the room. Your goal is to remove the
room of all dust build up. Basically, if it is a dust collector,
then you want it out of your bedroom! Wipe the dresser and other
surfaces using a damp sponge or cleaning cloth. (Damp dusting is
recommended as it does not cause as much dust to become
airborne). If you are very allergic to dust or prone to asthma,
it is best to have someone else do these cleaning measures for
you. To maintain a dust-free environment, you'll want to wash
all bed linens in very hot water (130 degrees) weekly. The very
hot water temperature is needed to kill the dust mites.
As far as drapes and curtains, you'll need to remove window
treatments and wash them or have them dry cleaned. Dust can
build up really quickly on drapes and blinds. It is also
important to damp dust those window blinds.
To assist in natural allergy relief, pay special attention to
the flooring in your home. If you have carpeting, consider using
a HEPA-equipped vacuum. Even better yet, you might want to
consider replacing carpeting with a solid surface floor such as
vinyl or hardwood. Carpet can harbor dust mites and mold and
mildew. At the very least, vacuum regularly and periodically
have the carpeting steam cleaned.
If you have a pet, keep it out of the bedroom. Pet dander is
very difficult to remove from a room. It remains on surfaces and
in soft upholstery (like curtains and bedding) and in carpeting
long after the pet has been removed.