Prevention & allergy-proofing your home
Small changes in the right places remove a surprising amount of allergen exposure. Print the checklist and work through it room by room.
Bedroom — start here
You spend a third of your life breathing in your bedroom. It deserves the most attention.
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water (60°C / 140°F) — this kills dust mites
- Cover mattress, pillows and duvet with allergen-proof encasings
- Keep pets out of the bedroom, permanently
- Remove carpets where practical; vacuum with a HEPA filter weekly
- Keep humidity at 40–50% with a dehumidifier in humid months
- Wash pillows and duvets regularly; air the room daily with windows open
Living room
- Vacuum upholstered furniture weekly — add a HEPA filter to your vacuum
- Dust with a damp cloth (dry dusting just moves allergens)
- Reduce clutter — books, ornaments and soft toys collect dust
- Wash curtains and blinds regularly
- Use a HEPA air purifier in the room you use most
Kitchen & bathroom
- Fix leaks and condensation — mould needs moisture
- Ventilate after cooking and showering; run the extractor fan
- Keep food sealed and take out rubbish daily to deter cockroaches
- Clean damp corners and visible mould promptly with appropriate products
Outdoors & the pollen season
- Check daily pollen counts; plan outdoor time around lower-count days
- Keep windows closed during peak pollen hours (early morning, late evening)
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses and a hat outdoors
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors — keep pollen out of bed
- Dry clothes indoors during the season; line-drying collects pollen
- Wear a mask for gardening, mowing and raking
One thing at a time. Change one area per week, track your symptoms, and you will feel exactly which interventions matter for you.
Start tracking your allergy days
Log symptoms daily and watch your weekly pattern take shape.
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