How To Create a “Dust-Free” Bedroom
Since my husband has asthma, we’re always looking for ways to reduce allergens and dust in our home (although it’s impossible to create a completely dust-free environment). We came across a good resource the other day. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has a step-by-step plan for reducing dust in the bedroom.
Some of the tips on the site were for extreme cases. To read the entire article, click here. These ideas won’t work for everyone (sometimes you can’t get rid of bedroom carpet), but we think overall they’re helpful suggestions. Here’s our edited list of relatively doable tips:
Floors:
• If possible, remove carpeting.
• If you can’t remove carpeting, clean it with a good vacuum.
Cleaning:
• Clean the bedroom once a week.
• Clean floors, furniture, tops of doors, window frames and sills, etc., with a damp cloth.
• Wash curtains often at 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Keep clothing off the floor and shoes out of the room.
• Air out the room regularly.
Bed:
• Use a dust-proof or allergen-proof cover on your mattress and box springs.
• Use only washable materials on the bed.
• Wash sheets, blankets, and other bedclothes frequently at 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Furniture:
• Keep furniture and surfaces to a minimum.
• If you can, avoid upholstered furniture in the bedroom.
Air Filters:
• Use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorption) air filter.
• A dehumidifier can help some people. Make sure to clean it regularly to prevent mold growth.
Other:
• People with severe allergies should keep pets out of the bedroom.
• Dust mites thrive in warm, humid spaces. (Good news for winter, bad news for summer.)
For other tips on improving indoor air quality, read this post.