Dust Allergy

 

My son and I both suffer from dust allergies.

When you think of allergy symptoms you think the typical runny or stuffy nose,

itchy, watery eyes and sneezing that may occur when doing common household chores such dusting and vacuuming. But this can also trigger asthma and breathing issues.

I have some simple things to do to reduce the dust and lessen allergic symptoms.

 

First, if you think you are really allergic to dust seek out a board certified allergist-immunologist to make sure that is what you are allergic to.

 

Stage 1-

Basic things to try that are easy and cost little to no money.

 



1. Dust from the top to the bottom. Dust will fall so start at the top and work your way down.

Ceiling fans and light fixtures first then move down. Finish with vacuuming the floor.

 

2. Try not to DRY dust as much as possible. What is dry dusting you ask? Using a dry rag just kicks the dust back up into the air to fall back down. Try using a wet rag or I mist furniture with my trusty basic H and then wipe down.

 

3. If dusting bothers you try wearing a dust mask or have someone else dust for you. Trade duties like have your husband dust and you clean the bathrooms. If your child has a dust allergy make sure they are out of the room when dusting.

 

4. Dust weekly- especially the bedroom of the person with the dust allergy.

 

5.When dusting is completed, but before I vacuum I strip the bedding and bring it into the laundry to wash it. Then I return to vacuum.

 

5. Launder bedding on HOT once a week. I do sheets and blankets and stuffed animals once a week and I do comforters/quilts every two weeks. The weeks that they don't get washed I put them in the dryer for an hour on the HOTTEST setting. This kills the dust mites which are the major cause of dust allergies.

 

6. Take down all curtains and wash them every season- so that is four times a year. This is especially important in the bedroom of the allergic person.

 

7. Keep pets out of the bedrooms. You might say, but my kid is not allergic to our pet- but their coat can carry other allergens from other areas like outdoors in.

 

Stage 2-

Things that cost a little more money.

1. Buy mattress and pillow encasements- I recommend purchasing organic cotton. Don't want to replace mites with chemicals. These trap the mites in your mattress with in the encasement so there is less allergic reaction. Remove once a year and wash. (try the pillow encasements first if the mattress one is too expensive)

 

2. Try removing all curtains and replace with wood or vinyl blinds or wood shutters. Something that can be easily wiped down and won't harbor dust like cloth.

4. Purchase a heap filter vacuum.

 

Stage 3-

Things that cost  a lot of money.

1. Remove carpet and replace with hard wood, vinyl or laminate floors. Use throw rugs that can be washed if you still need that carpety-feel.

 

2. Purchase a new mattress and immediately cover it with a mattress encasement.

 

3. Purchase an air purifier.

Allergy Buyers Club is a great resource for Hepa vacuums, air purifiers and mattress encasements.
They have ratings and reviews. Even if you choose not to purchase from them, its a good place to do your research and then shop around for best prices. They even answer any questions online.



For a natural way to help with any allergy try Shaklee's Alfalfa Complex.