When it comes to notorious allergens, mold and dust top the list. Here's how to keep these symptom-causing criminals out of your home.
To combat dust mites:
• Use a damp rag or mop for cleaning. A dry cloth, mop or broom just stirs up dust mite allergens.
• Choose a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter or double-layered microfilter bag, which helps trap allergens that are sucked up.
• Wear a dust mask while vacuuming. Then leave the area for 20 minutes to give dust mite allergens time to settle out of the air.
• Have your heating or ventilation ducts and filters serviced and cleaned regularly.
To fight indoor mold:
• Scrub mold off hard surfaces with fragrance-free detergent and water.
• Avoid using chlorine bleach to kill the mold. Dead mold can still cause allergic reactions.
• Open the windows to improve ventilation and reduce humidity.
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, April 2013
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