I need to “allergy-proof” my house. What’s involved?

Q. Because I sneeze year-round, my doctor says I have indoor allergies, too, which means I need to “allergy-proof” my house. What’s involved? 

A. To reduce indoor allergies, here’s what you’ll need to do:

• If you have furry pets, make sure they stay out of your bedroom.
• To reduce the impact of pollen that comes in from outdoors, turn on the air-conditioner and keep windows closed.
• Don’t let friends or family members smoke inside your house.
• Get rid of old magazines and newspapers, which collect dust and encourage the growth of mold.
• Wash all bedding weekly in hot water to discourage dust mites that feed on dead skin cells.
• Remove carpeting from your bedroom. If you must have carpets or rugs, vacuum them frequently using a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which traps most allergens.
• To discourage mold, place a dehumidifier in the basement and any other damp place in your house.
• Keep bathrooms well ventilated, and use a bleach solution to get rid of mold.
• Don’t let decaying leaves or other vegetation pile up near your house.
• Do not use vaporizers, which increase humidity and therefore increase dust mite and mold growth.
• Keep indoor humidity between 20% to 40%.