Bedroom Health

Chances are you probably spend around a third of the day in your bedroom. That being the case, the bedroom is the ideal location to begin ridding your home of indoor allergens, such as dust mites. This is especially true if you suffer from asthma or have allergies.

Dust Mites

To lower the amount of dust mites where you sleep, your mattress and your pillows should be encased in sheets that are dust-mite resistant. Try not to use comforters and pillows that are filled with down or feathers. Wash everything you sleep in with hot water, at least 130Adegrees F, weekly. Use an allergen or dust-proof plastic cover to encase your mattress and box spring. Dust mites regularly contaminate plushy toys like stuffed animals, so make sure your child's toys are machine washable. Clean them once a week. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology estimates that doing these easy tasks can lower the level of dust mite exposure to your family from 100 to 1,000 times in the first month.

Cover the windows with shades and curtains that can be washed, and do this one a week in hot water. Dust mites can hide in upholstery, so use furniture that isn't upholstered.

Mop the floors and dust surfaces every week, even in the closets. Keep your out-of-season clothes and shoes covered in plastic. This way they will be easier to dust.

Animals in the Home

The flakes of dead skin from your animal, known as pet dander and other substances your pet produces like urine and saliva are a few of the most likely allergens you'll experience indoors. Dander can float around the air of the house, burrow into carpets, and cling to furniture for several weeks or months. If you can, don't let your pets into your bedroom. Brush and wash your furry pets frequently to keep pet dander to a minimum.

Clean Air

Filters

Air filters can help reduce the level and even rid the air of airborne allergens in your bedroom. This can be a model that you set up in your room, or one that is connected to the central air-conditioning or heating system. About 99% of allergens can be eliminated from the air with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.

Dehumidifiers

Dust mites love air that has about 30 to 50% humidity, so you may want to consider using a dehumidifier to dry out the room. Use caution if you have asthma, however. The dry air can be irritating to the throat and nose. Make sure to clean your unit to avoid mold and fungus growth.

Sleeping better, freer breathing, and less nocturnal asthma episodes far outweigh whatever effort keeping your room clean will require. When you get used to keeping your own room clean, you'll want to make the rest of your home follow suit.