ecologyworks.com

Controlling allergens in your home and particularly bedrooms is the most important step in preventing allergic reactions.

Checklist for an Allergy Clean Environment

Use the Checklist below as a guideline to minimize allergens in your home. It is not necessary to do everything on this list. Even doing a few things will help to improve the indoor environment and reduce allergen exposure. The more avoidance you can accomplish, the less you have to rely upon medicines and other forms of treatment.

• Encase your pillows, mattresses and box springs in allergen proof covers.
• Wash all bedding weekely in hot water (130-140 degrees Fahrenheit or above) using The Ecology Works Anti-Allergen Laundry Detergent
• Use an allergy air filter in your heating and air conditioning system.
• Clean the house regularly and vacuum thoroughly.  Use a damp cloth for dusting.
• Use room air purifiers
• Keep humidity below 50% and preferably less than 40%.  Both dust mites and mold are reduced in lower humidity.  Use a humidity guage to monitor humidity levels.  If necessary, use a dehumidifier to reduce excess moisture in your home.  Avoid using humidifiers unless humidity goes below 30%.
• Avoid dust-catching clutter.  Use enclosed places to keep books, toys and clothing.  Keep closet doors closed.  Keep surfaces free of knick-knacks.
• Avoid stuffed animals unless they can be washed.  Stuffed animals can be a major source of dust mite exposure.
• Use washable blankets or quilts.  If you use a comforter, make sure it is enclosed in an impermeable liner.
• Keep floors bare or use washable throw rugs instead of area rugs and carpets.  If you elect to keep carpeting, low pile "Berber" carpeting is best. Use Dustmite and Flea Control to eliminate dust mites in carpeting.
• Use leather furniture or some other covering that will not allow dust mites to enter.  Allergens on upholstered furniture can be denatured and neutralized by using The Ecology Works Anti-Allergen Solution
• Wear a dust filtering mask when cleaning the house or working in the yard.
• Put filters over supply register vents and change the vents reglarly.
• Eliminate cockroaches and rodents by protecting sources of food and/or through extermination by a trained professional using non-toxic procedures.
• Install exhaust fans in the bathroom or over the stove to remove excess moisture.
• Inspect and remove sources of mold growth such as wet carpeting, rotting flooring, water-damaged wallpaper and firewood.  Use Vital Oxide Mold Remover for surface mold removal.