National Asthma Council’s Sensitive Choice Program Manager Adele Taylor says reducing allergens in and around the home can reduce the risk of allergic reactions or allergy-related asthma flare-ups.

“Areas such as living rooms, bedrooms, the kitchen and laundry can harbour all sorts of triggers including mould, dust mites and pet dander.

“Asthma and allergy symptoms can cause itchy watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, cough, sinus pain and congestion, sore throats, or even worse, severe breathing difficulties in some people,” said Ms Taylor.

Create a healthy home this spring with key tips from Sensitive Choice:

Living room – look for furniture, curtains and flooring that are easy to clean or have anti-microbial properties. When cleaning carpets and soft furnishings use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and for hard floors like timber or tiles, use a damp or electrostatic cloth or steam mop and clean window coverings (blinds and curtains) regularly. Consider air treatments in large common areas of the home, such as air purifiers, to help clean the air.

Bedroom – two of the most common asthma and allergy triggers to look out for in the bedroom are dust mites and mould, so reducing indoor humidity can help to reduce these allergens. Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly in water hotter than 55°C, open the curtains and windows regularly and leave wardrobe doors ajar to keep the air flowing through them.

Kitchen – having good air flow in the kitchen is important and look for cleaning products with fewer harsh chemicals and no fragrances. Keep an eye out for mould which is commonly found in fridges and pantries and make sure to clean it thoroughly.

Bathroom – mould thrives in warm, damp environments like bathrooms. Good ventilation and fixing any leaks can help reduce the impact of this common trigger. Clean and dust with a damp cloth or microfibre cloth weekly and focus on good natural air circulation, clean extractor fan vents regularly and make sure to clean any visible mould.

Laundry – look for detergents and cleaning products with fewer harsh chemicals and no fragrances. During pollen season, try to avoid drying bed linen outside on high pollen count days, after thunderstorms and on windy days. Always keep an eye out for mould lurking in your laundry and clean rubber seals on your laundry appliances.

Garden and outdoors – your garden and outdoor areas are a haven for triggers like pollen. If you have sensitivities, avoid spending time in the garden on windy or high pollen count days. Some people can also be sensitive to the effects of chlorine in pools and spas.

Download our create a healthy home checklist for each room to help you create a healthy home this spring.

For further information or an interview with a National Asthma Council Australia Sensitive Choice spokesperson, please contact: Donna Le Page, Le Page PR
Mobile: 0429 825 703 Email: donna@lepage-pr.com.au