How to Keep Your Bed and Bath Allergy Free

Allergens are particles or organisms that can trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose, skin irritation and more. House dust is the most common allergen. In your bedroom, house dust can be a mix of mold spores, pollen, bacteria, pet dander and especially dust mite debris. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that thrive in warm, humid environments like mattresses, pillows and bedding. In your bath, common allergens include mold and mildew.

Mattress covers, pillow protectors, sheets, comforters, quilts and pillows can be made from either natural or treated antimicrobial fabrics. Antimicrobial fabrics reduce the growth of microorganisms and stay cleaner longer. These fabrics are also woven in a way that prohibits bacteria and fungus from growing.

• Bamboo, silk, wool and linen are naturally antibacterial. They also repel moisture and are a good choice for comfortable, allergy free bedding.
• Natural latex is a very durable fabric that’s resistant to dust mites, mold and mildew. It can require special care and higher upfront investment.
• Memory foam is a manmade fiber that repels dust mites. It’s budget friendly and provides pressure relief for a more comfortable sleep.

Down bedding is known for its warmth and softness but can trigger allergic reactions. Get the same feel of natural feathers with hypoallergenic down alternative bedding such as comforters, quilts and pillows. Bedding made from down alternatives is also more budget friendly and low maintenance. They can often be washed at home instead of dry cleaned.

Dust-proof covers are made from a tightly woven fabric. These covers block pollen, dust and dust mites from getting in your pillows, mattresses or box springs. Available in a variety of sizes, zippered dust-proof covers also protect your bedding and keep it cleaner. Make sure to zip them off and toss them into a washer periodically.

Allergy triggering organisms such as mold and mildew thrive in damp, humid places like bathrooms. Always use a mildew-resistant shower curtain. Pick bath towels and bathmats made from antimicrobial fabrics. Your bath linen will stay fresher, last longer and smell better. Plus, these types of towels and bathmats dry quicker than regular ones.

Tip: If you have severe allergies, placing a dehumidifier in your bathroom keeps moisture levels under control.

Reduce or eliminate allergy symptoms by combining hypoallergenic bedding with a good air purifier. Using HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) or activated carbon filters, purifiers trap dust, pollen and other allergens. It then circulates cleaner, fresher air back into your bedroom. Air purifiers do require an upfront investment.

For a budget friendly alternative, consider an ionizer. These machines release ions that attach to airborne particles, making them fall. If you have an ionizer, make sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter for maximum effectiveness.

Sanitizing your bedding regularly is a smart way to eliminate the allergens in your bedding. An easy way to do this is with a steam washer. Steam washers use hot water and steam to reduce bacteria and fungi by at least 99 percent. Steam washers can require a higher upfront investment, but the results can be well worth it for allergy sufferers. For a budget friendly option, consider adding natural eucalyptus oil to a regular washing machine. Mix the oil into laundry soap or water to kill bacteria and give linens a crisp, clean smell.

Below are more ways to keep your bedroom and bath allergy free:

• Change your pillowcases twice a week in warm, humid months.
• If you have a fever or the flu, change sheets and pillowcases as often as possible.
• Replace your bedding regularly.
• Wear pajamas to keep bedding from absorbing oils from your skin.
• Launder your bed sheets once a week in hot water (130 to 140 Fahrenheit).
• If you prefer to launder in cold water, tumble dry the linens in a hot dryer for at least 10 minutes.
• Every six months, wash your pillows and thoroughly dry them.
• Vacuum bedroom floors regularly to remove dust.
• Clean your bathroom with a bleach-based or specialty cleaner that prevents mold and mildew.
• Use a dust mite sanitizer vacuum to sterilize linens.

Tip: Avoid eating in bed. Crumbs and spills can attract pests.