|  | Conditions Treatments | Allergies

Recommendations for Allergy Free Window Treatments

An allergic reaction occurs when the body overreacts to things like pollen or dust. It may result in symptoms like itching, water eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, airway inflammation and constriction (allergic asthma) and even stomach upset for some people. If you have allergies, then you already know that dust and irritants in your home can make your allergy symptoms flare. It is important that you allergy proof your home to minimize your exposure to allergens. One place you can start is by replacing the dust and allergen-collecting window treatments in your home with a cleaner, dust-free option.

  1. Use Lightweight Washable Curtains

    • Use lightweight curtains that can be washed. Wash them weekly to remove any accumulated allergens. Avoid using heavy curtains and draperies. Mold, dust mites and bacteria collect and breed in heavy, thick curtains. Dust mites, molds, animal dander and insect debris are difficult to remove from your environment. It is easier to clean flat surfaces than it is to clean all those nooks and crannies found in heavy fabric or other soft surfaces.

    Use Vertical Blinds

    • Horizontal or venetian blinds collect dust. Use vertical blinds instead. The vertical blinds will be less likely to hold dust. Avoid venetian blinds, mini-blinds and pleated shades.

    Use Washable Window Shades

    • Install roll-up washable cotton or synthetic window shades. Use window shades that can be wiped with a damp cloth. They will not hold dust like heavy draperies will, but they still provide privacy and shade from the sun. Silhouette shades are cloth-covered horizontal blinds. These are easier to dust or vacuum than venetian blinds because they have a flat surface like a window shade.

    Allergy Proof the Rest of Your Home

    • Taking care of your windows alone will not keep your home free of allergens. It is essential that you allergy-proof all areas of your home. If you have dust allergies, be sure to clean your home thoroughly (including floors and walls, but especially carpets and upholstered furniture). If you are allergic, someone else should do the cleaning. Wipe all surfaces with a damp rag to pick up dust. Do not use a feather duster that will just spread dust around the room. Be sure to also wipe the leaves of plants. Keep knick-knacks behind glass so they do not accumulate dust. Vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) at least twice a week so the allergens will not disperse into the air where you can breathe them in. Allergy proof your bedding by washing it in hot water once a week. Get dust mite-proof mattress cases to keep dust mites from breeding in your bedding.

Allergies - Related Articles