Cleaning's nothing to sneeze at

[Guest guest]

Ok ,if they want to call it allergies (mold related) so be it.But

these allergies can lead to very serious immune deficiencies that

can lead to very serious autoimmune diseases,and have.

KC

Saturday, August 20, 2005 - Page updated at 12:00 AM

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/homegarden/2002445764_cleanalle

rgies20.html?syndication=rss & source=seattletimes.xml & items=133

Cleaning's nothing to sneeze at

By Carol Polsky

For allergy sufferers, it all comes down to improving air quality

and cutting down on dust and dust mites, pet dander, mold, mildew

and pollen. Whether you're cleaning in spring — or any season — Dr.

Clifford Bassett, an allergist in Manhattan, says these chores

should be on your top 10 list:

1. Clean air conditioners, change filters.

2. Clean exhaust filters in fans.

3. Use a vacuum with a HEPA-filter so allergens are not spewed back

into the air. Otherwise, use a multilayer vacuum bag filter.

4. Store sweaters and woolens in airtight plastic bags to prevent

buildup of mold and dust mites. Don't use camphor mothballs, which

irritate nasal and sinus passages.

5. Launder pet bedding.

6. Place stuffed animals in a plastic bag and keep them in the

freezer for four or five hours a week to reduce dust mites and other

allergens. Or try this Good Housekeeping Institute tip: Put stuffed

animals in a pillowcase, tie it closed, and run it through the air

fluff cycle in the dryer.

7. Look for mildew on shower curtains. Clean with a diluted bleach

solution, making sure the room is well-ventilated. Clean carpets in

basements. Actually, it's better not to use them there if allergies

are a problem. Use dehumidifiers.

8. Dry clean or launder curtains and bedding. Wash in 130-degree

water on hot cycle. Use impermeable covers for pillows and

mattresses to protect from dust mites.

9. Consider some of these suggestions: Use window shades instead of

curtains or blinds, because they don't attract as much dust;

vertical blinds are easier to clean than horizontal ones. Choose

leather and wood furniture over upholstered pieces and wood floors

over carpets. Throw pillows are a no-no.

10. Get rid of dead batteries and partially used cans of paint,

insecticides and other hazardous materials. Dispose of them of

properly.

[Guest guest]

I am a living victim to that as you know KC. What Immune System.......mine is

almost shot!

I do not nor have I ever had an allergy to anything. Stachybotrys just grabbed

ahold of my entire body and won't let go. I am not going to give up the fight

though. A " Mold Warrior " I am from here on out!!!! I hope to win this battle.(

By the way, I got sick at work, not on a " dust mite " or cat hair bed or carpet.)

Sharon....hang in there!

Sincerely,

Marcie ( not a dim-wit) Just sick as h-ll!

tigerpaw2c <tigerpaw2C@...> wrote:

Ok ,if they want to call it allergies (mold related) so be it.But

these allergies can lead to very serious immune deficiencies that

can lead to very serious autoimmune diseases,and have.

KC

Saturday, August 20, 2005 - Page updated at 12:00 AM

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/homegarden/2002445764_cleanalle

rgies20.html?syndication=rss & source=seattletimes.xml & items=133

Cleaning's nothing to sneeze at

By Carol Polsky

For allergy sufferers, it all comes down to improving air quality

and cutting down on dust and dust mites, pet dander, mold, mildew

and pollen. Whether you're cleaning in spring — or any season — Dr.

Clifford Bassett, an allergist in Manhattan, says these chores

should be on your top 10 list:

1. Clean air conditioners, change filters.

2. Clean exhaust filters in fans.

3. Use a vacuum with a HEPA-filter so allergens are not spewed back

into the air. Otherwise, use a multilayer vacuum bag filter.

4. Store sweaters and woolens in airtight plastic bags to prevent

buildup of mold and dust mites. Don't use camphor mothballs, which

irritate nasal and sinus passages.

5. Launder pet bedding.

6. Place stuffed animals in a plastic bag and keep them in the

freezer for four or five hours a week to reduce dust mites and other

allergens. Or try this Good Housekeeping Institute tip: Put stuffed

animals in a pillowcase, tie it closed, and run it through the air

fluff cycle in the dryer.

7. Look for mildew on shower curtains. Clean with a diluted bleach

solution, making sure the room is well-ventilated. Clean carpets in

basements. Actually, it's better not to use them there if allergies

are a problem. Use dehumidifiers.

8. Dry clean or launder curtains and bedding. Wash in 130-degree

water on hot cycle. Use impermeable covers for pillows and

mattresses to protect from dust mites.

9. Consider some of these suggestions: Use window shades instead of

curtains or blinds, because they don't attract as much dust;

vertical blinds are easier to clean than horizontal ones. Choose

leather and wood furniture over upholstered pieces and wood floors

over carpets. Throw pillows are a no-no.

10. Get rid of dead batteries and partially used cans of paint,

insecticides and other hazardous materials. Dispose of them of

properly.

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