Introduction

If you have an allergy, take simple steps to help keep your home from becoming a reservoir for common allergens. Home allergy modifications — some easy, some more complicated and time-consuming — can decrease your exposure to these allergens and may help reduce allergy and asthma symptoms. Because you spend a third of your life in the bedroom, start there tackling allergy triggers in your home.

Click on the tabs to the left for room-by-room information on allergy proofing your house.

Bedroom

1. Bed and bedding. Encase pillows, mattresses and box springs in dust-mite-proof covers. Wash sheets, pillowcases and blankets at least once a week in water heated to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove, wash or cover comforters.
2. Flooring. Remove carpeting and use hardwood or linoleum flooring or washable area rugs. If that isn't an option, use low-pile instead of high-pile carpeting and vacuum weekly with a vacuum cleaner that has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
3. Curtains and blinds. Use washable curtains made of plain cotton or synthetic fabric. Replace horizontal blinds with washable roller-type shades.
4. Furnishings. Choose simply designed, easy-to-clean chairs, dressers and nightstands made of leather, wood, metal or plastic. Avoid upholstered furniture.
5. Clutter. Remove anything that collects dust, such as knickknacks, tabletop ornaments, books and magazines. Store children's toys, games and stuffed animals in plastic bins.
6. Pets. If you can't find a new home for your dog or cat, at least keep it out of the bedroom. Bathing pets at least twice a week may reduce the amount of allergen they shed.
7. Air filtration. Choose an air filter that has a small-particle or HEPA filter.

Living room

1. Flooring. Remove carpeting and use hardwood or linoleum flooring or washable area rugs. If that isn't an option, use low-pile instead of high-pile carpeting and vacuum weekly with a vacuum cleaner that has a small-particle or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Wash area rugs and floor mats weekly.
2. Furniture. Consider replacing upholstered sofas and chairs with furniture made of leather, wood, metal or plastic.
3. Curtains and blinds. Use washable curtains made of plain cotton or synthetic fabric. Replace horizontal blinds with washable roller-type shades.
4. Windows. Close windows and rely on air conditioning during pollen season. Clean mold and condensation from window frames and sills.
5. Plants. Find a new home for potted plants or spread aquarium gravel over the dirt to help contain mold.
6. Pets. If you can't find a new home for your dog or cat, consider keeping it outside.

Kitchen

1. Stove. Install and use an exhaust fan to remove cooking fumes and reduce moisture. Most stove-top hoods simply filter cooking particulates without venting outside.
2. Sink. Wash dishes daily. Scrub the sink and faucets to remove mold and food debris.
3. Refrigerator. Wipe up excessive moisture to avoid mold growth. Discard moldy or out-of-date food. Regularly empty and clean dripping pan and clean or replace moldy rubber seals around doors.
4. Cabinets and counters. Clean cabinets and countertops with detergent and water. Check under-sink cabinets for plumbing leaks. Store food — including pet food — in sealed containers.
5. Food waste. Place garbage in a can with an insect-proof lid and empty trash daily.

Bathroom

1. Ventilation. Install and use an exhaust fan to reduce moisture while taking baths or showers.
2. Floors. Remove carpeting and use wood or linoleum flooring. Use washable rugs.
3. Walls. Remove wallpaper and install tile, or paint walls with mold-resistant enamel paint.
4. Tub. Towel-dry the tub and enclosure after use. Scrub mold from tub and faucets. Clean or replace moldy shower curtains and bathmats.
5. Toilet and sink. Scrub mold from plumbing fixtures. Repair leaks.

Basement

1. Flooring. Remove moldy or water-damaged carpeting. If possible, use cement or linoleum flooring. If that isn't an option, use low-pile instead of high-pile carpeting and vacuum weekly with a vacuum cleaner that has a small-particle or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Install plastic sheeting (vapor barrier) under carpeting to prevent moisture seepage.
2. Furniture. Consider replacing upholstered sofas and chairs with furniture made of leather, wood, metal or plastic.
3. Foundation, windows and stairwells. Check for and repair any sources of leaks or water damage.
4. Air quality. Use a dehumidifier to reduce dampness, and clean it once a week.
5. Storage. Store collectibles and clothes in plastic storage bins.
6. Clothes dryer. Use an exhaust fan to vent moisture outside.

Entire house

1. Temperature and humidity. Hot, humid houses are breeding grounds for dust mites and mold. Maintain temperature at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity at 30 percent to 50 percent. Clean or replace small-particle filters in central heating and cooling systems and in room air conditioners at least once a month.
2. Infestations. Control cockroaches and mice with inexpensive traps from the hardware store. If that's not effective, hire a professional exterminator. To remove allergy-triggering insect and mouse residue, thoroughly vacuum carpeting and wet-wash hard surfaces. To prevent re-infestation, seal cracks or other entryways.
3. Mold. Close doors and windows during warm weather and use air conditioning and dehumidifiers. Remove nonwashable contaminated materials such as carpeting. Clean washable material with a solution of 5 percent chlorine bleach and wear a protective mask when cleaning away mold.
4. Weekly cleaning routine. Damp-mop wood or linoleum flooring and vacuum carpeting. Use a vacuum cleaner with a small-particle or a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Use a damp cloth to clean other surfaces, including the tops of doors, windowsills and window frames. If you have allergies, either wear a dust mask or get someone who doesn't have allergies to do this job. Change or clean heating and cooling system filters once a month.
5. Smoking. Don't allow smoking anywhere inside your house.