INDOOR AIR

INDOOR AIR
Improving quality
The air in your home could be making you miserable. Indoor air can be up to five times as polluted as outdoor air, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports. With asthma and allergies on the rise, a clean home is important for reducing symptoms, said Dr. John Winder, an allergist who chairs the Nationwide Asthma Screening Program of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & amp; Immunology. Here are some tips from Winder and the people who make Oreck vacuum cleaners:
Dust with vacuum tools instead of cloths, because cloths can spread dust. Don't ignore hard-to-reach spots such as moldings, drapes and the space under beds.
Encase mattresses and pillows in allergen-protective covers, and vacuum mattresses and pillows regularly.
Wash linens in hot water (130 degrees or higher) to kill dust mites and their eggs.
Deep-clean carpets and other floor surfaces at least once a season.
Use an air purifier to remove airborne pollutants.
Keep homes cool and dry, with humidity at 50 percent or less. If a humidifier is used, empty it frequently to prevent mold growth in the tank.
Don't let pets sleep in the bedroom.
Keep dust catchers such as stuffed animals or crowded shelves to a minimum, and vacuum stuffed toys.