Creating a Dust-Free Bedroom

By Laura Gesicki-Wood, MD

Accredited Allergy Center of Springfield

More Allergy, Asthma & Infectious Disease Articles

Creating a Dust-Free Bedroom

If you are dust-sensitive, especially if you have allergies and/or asthma, you can reduce some of your symptoms by creating a “dust-free” bedroom.

Dust may contain molds, fibers, and dander from animals, as well as tiny dust mites. These mites live in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets. The particles seen floating in a shaft of sunlight include dead mites and their waste products; the waste products actually provoke the allergic reaction.

You probably cannot control the dust conditions under which you work or spend your daylight hours. But everyone can, to a large extent, eliminate dust from the bedroom. To do this, you must reduce the number of surfaces on which dust can collect.

All carpets trap dust. Therefore, healthcare experts recommend hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors.

Encase your mattress and box spring in a zippered dust-proof or allergen-proof cover. Scrub bed springs outside the room. If a second bed must be in the room, prepare it in the same manner.

Use only washable materials on the bed. Sheets, blankets, and other bedclothes should be washed frequently in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures will not kill dust mites.

Keep all animals with fur or feathers out of the bedroom. If you are allergic to dust mites, you could also be allergic to, or could develop an allergy to, cats, dogs, or other animals.

Keep furniture and furnishings to a minimum. Wood and leather furniture are preferable to upholstered furniture, as they can be easily cleaned. Wood blinds should be wiped down with a damp cloth yearly. If you have curtains, wash them often at 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air filters either added to a furnace or a room unit can reduce the levels of allergens. High-efficiency particulate absorption (HEPA) filters can effectively remove many allergens from the air.

A dehumidifier may also help because dust mites need high humidity to live and grow. However, although low humidity may reduce dust mite levels, it may also irritate the nose and lungs of some people. The goal is to keep ambient humidity levels between 30% and 50%.

Clean the room thoroughly and completely once a week. Remember to wear a filter mask when cleaning. Clean floors, furniture, tops of doors, window frames and sills with a damp cloth or oil mop.

Carefully vacuum carpet and upholstery regularly, and use a HEPA filter in the vacuum. Also, air out the room thoroughly.

Although these steps may seem difficult at first, experience plus habit will make them easier. The results better breathing, fewer medicines, and greater freedom from allergy and asthma attacks will be well worth your effort.