10 Steps To Reduce Your Exposure To House Dust

#1 Use wooden, glass, or plastic furniture where possible rather than upholstered items. Antiques often contain high amounts of dust.

#2 Have the duct system cleaned and checked for leaks.

#3 Room air purifiers are helpful in controlling dust especially in your bedroom.

#4 Vacuum frequently with a machine equipped with a High Efficiency Air Filter. Nilfisk, Fantom, Miele, and Euroclean are brands with HEPA filters.

#5 Keep clothing in drawers, and closet doors closed.

#6 Mattresses, box springs, and pillows should be encased with impermeable, zippered covers. New fabrics are now available that are breathable to allow water vapor to pass through for added comfort.

#7 Installing and properly maintaining a high performance air filter in the central air system can remove 90%+ of the dust from the air as it operates.

#8 Select closed book cases and curio cabinets instead of open shelves. Books and magazines are dust catchers. Tile, linoleum, or hardwood floors are much better for the allergic patient than carpets.

#9 There are electrostatically charged cleaning cloths and mops which attract and hold the dust to keep it from becoming airborne. Using a damp mop on floors and walls can reduce dust levels. Don't forget to clean bed springs, window sills, under furniture, Venetian blinds, and other dust catchers with a damp cloth.

#10 Select easily cleaned decorations instead of silk or dried flower arrangements, straw, wicker, or fabric wall coverings.