To reduce allergens in your home you have to make sure your home is as dust free as possible. You should also avoid using harsh cleaning products while cleaning your home as well. Here is a few things you can do in your home to help reduce asthma triggers in your home.

Dusting

Avoid feather dusters. Feather dusters tend to upset the dust and put the dust back into the air. Instead, use a slightly moist cloth or specially designed dry cloth to wipe, trap, and remove dust on all hard surfaces.

Choose the Right Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuums come in all shapes and sizes and prices. Unfortunately when it comes to vacuums you get what you pay for. Many vacuums suck up the dust and then spew it back out into the air. You should make sure that the vacuum has a HEPA filter and is well made with tight seals around openings so that no dust can be leaking out of the vacuum as you are using it. Make sure the vacuum is easy to open and empty so that when you are emptying a full vacuum the particles of dust and dirt are not entering the air again.

Cleaning Products

When choosing a cleaning product make sure you are reading labels and purchasing cleaners that are non-toxic with little to no odor. Avoid aerosol products as they are another potential irritant.

Pet Dander & Dust Mites

You want to make sure that pet dander is limited. Dust mites use pet dander as food. Pet dander will settle on pretty much any surface, specially linens, furniture, blinds, carpet, etc. You want to make sure that you vacuum and change bedding on a weekly basis. In every room of your home you should vacuum furniture, curtains and drapes once a week. If at all possible choose easy to clean flooring. Carpets tend to hold on to pet dander and dust mites very well. You must vacuum often. Easy to clean flooring such as hardwood, tile, and laminate flooring are great choices for any home and room. They are easy to keep dust free and they are easy to wash.

Bedroom

Because dust settles into the fabrics of bedding you want to make sure you purchase special mite-proof bedding. You should also consider purchasing a mite-proof mattress as well. Bedding should be washed on a weekly basis and the room should be vacuumed weekly as well. If you have pets you should keep your bedroom door closed so that the pet dander doesn't accumulate as much in the bedroom. Never allow your on your bed.

Bathroom

Bathrooms tend to be a warm and moist environment. Warm and moist areas are the perfect breeding ground for mold. Mold is commonly found in the shower and shower doors/shower curtain, under the sink, on towels, floor mats and tiles/grout. To minimize mold issues in the washroom you need to remove it as soon as you see it growing. While showering or having a bath put the fan on or open a window to help reduce moisture. Use washable floor mats and wash them on a weekly basis. Wash all towels and show towels on a weekly basis. If your tub or sink tends to have a bit of water left over after being emptied make sure you wipe it out at least once a day.

Indoor Air Pollutants

Avoid having a wood burning fireplace in your home and kerosene heaters. Avoid scented candles and air fresheners as well.

Depending on how severe your asthma is you may want to consider hiring a cleaning service to take care of the cleaning for you. There are many great services out there that are affordable and dependable.

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