General Control of Your Environment

Dust Control: 
*Remove or clean frequently, all upholstered furniture (chairs, sofas, etc.)
*Remove wool blankets, quilts, and feather pillows, and/or comforters.  Use only Dacron   . or other synthetic materials.
*Remove all stuffed animals.
*Remove all dust catching storage items such as old books, papers, boxes, etc.
*Cover the mattresses, pillows and box springs with plastic covers.
*Keep the floors bare if possible.  If you have carpets or rugs, clean daily.
*Keep the bedroom as dust-free as possible with frequent cleaning, wiping floors,
 shelves, tables, and other furniture with an oiled or damp cloth.

When vacuuming the rest of the house, have the patient stay away from the vacuum cleaner, since it blows out small amounts of dust.  If possible, vacuum with HEPA filter.  Use a wet or oiled mop wherever possible.  Allow no sweeping.  Spraying the carpet with a light mist of Lysol will also help to keep down the dust mite.

Tobacco:  Avoid any form of smoking.  Also try to avoid being in a closed room with others who smoke.  This will definitely irritate your allergy.

Molds:  Avoid damp, moldy rooms, basements, and areas under the house.  A dehumidifier will help dry out damp cellars and cut down on the growth of mold.  Air conditioning in the summer eliminates the problem of dampness.  When repainting areas in the home where mold collects, use a mold-proof paint.

All houseplants should be moved to some part of the house where you do not go.  In severe cases, we suggest you eliminate all houseplants since both the plants and soil will collect molds.  Dishwashers and automatic washers should be run through their regular cycles with one-cup vinegar every 4 to 6 weeks to eliminate mold.  Refrigerators should be cleaned with a vinegar solution and all containers that will be stored in the refrigerator wiped with a vinegar solution.  All of these appliances collect mold.