Spring cleaning tips

m Control dust mites. Keep surfaces in the home clean and uncluttered. Bare floors and walls are best, particularly in the bedroom where you spend one-third of your time. If you must have carpet, invest in washable throw rugs or low-pile carpets.

m Dust often using a damp or treated cloth. Dust mites, pollens, animal dander and other allergy-causing agents can be reduced through regular cleaning.

m Vacuum once or twice weekly. To help eliminate indoor allergens, use a vacuum with a sealed True-HEPA filtration system, like the Guardian from Electrolux, or with special double filter bags,

m Prevent dust-mite infiltration. Wash bedding, uncovered pillows and stuffed toys in hot water (130F) every week and cover all pillows, mattresses and box springs in zippered allergen impermeable or plastic covers.

• Protect yourself. Wear a dust mask while doing housework and leave the house for several hours after cleaning it.

• Monitor humidity levels to reduce dust mite and mold growth. When the heat is on, check the levels in those rooms where you’ll spend most of your time, including bathrooms and basement living areas, Keep the level below 50 percent, as long as you’re comfortable and allergy symptoms are minimal.

m Prevent animal dander. If you have a pet, bar it from the bedroom and keep the door closed. Thoroughly clean all surfaces including walls and woodwork and cover vents with a dense material like cheesecloth.

m Prevent pollen entry by keeping windows and doors closed. Use air conditioning in warm weather and change filters often in window units. If you have a pet, keep it either strictly inside or outside during high pollen season to prevent pollen from sticking to the animal’s fur and being transferred into your house.

m Avoid mold spores. Clean moldy surfaces and reduce moisture around the bathroom, kitchen and other water areas of the home. Limit yourself to a few houseplants.

m Control cockroaches. Cover all food or garbage and use poison baits, boric acid and traps rather than chemical agents that can irritate rhinitis and asthma.

m Don’t smoke indoors or allow others to do so. Ask smokers to smoke outside, or if smoking cannot be avoided, increase ventilation in the area where smoking takes place.

These helpful tips are proved through an educational partnership between Electrolux and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. For more information call I-800-7-ASTHMA.