Decorating for an Allergy Free Home

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

03 Nov 2009 10:03 PM

As I get older, my allergies get worse. Elements I used in decorating my home 7 years ago, no longer work for me. In addition, I have noticed that people with asthma who come to my house also have problems.

Some might say that I just need to put more effort into cleaning my house, but that is not the problem. The problem is that I have 2 dogs and a cat, and that vaccuming and dusting causes an allergic reaction for me. This means I have alot of changes to make.

After spending some time exploring our options, here are the changes on my list:

Floor choices for an allergy free home

Hardwood is my floor of choice. I can choose tiles or another type of hard or stone floor as well to eliminate my need vacuum wall to wall carpeting. Berber carpet is also an option for people without pets who love carpet, but hardwood is the most beautiful and easiest to clean.

Window choices for an allergy free home

For me, naked windows are best. Still, you have to allow for some degree of privacy and also weather proofing in the winter. With that said, a washable curtain is a good idea. It is great to use silks, satins, and other fine fabrics, but unless it is machine washable, you will be replacing it twice a year.

Furniture choices for an allergy free home Upholstery fabric needs to be limited in a home where people suffer from allergies. Dining chairs and other case goods (dressers, headboards, tables) should be wooden for easy cleanability. Glass tops and iron accesnts are nice too. Sofas should be leather so that they can be easily wiped down.

Assessory choices for an allergy free home

As for throws, pillows, blankets, and other fabrics, stick to cotton. Once again, you should be able to throw all of your fabrics into the washing machine for quick freshening. Besides that, keep clutter to a minimum. This will give dust less places to settle and irritate you and yours.

~If you liked this you should also read my blogs at the homeschool blog, the parents blog, and the frugal blog. You can read my recent posts here.

Cleaning and Polishing Wood Floors

Cleaning Leather And Other Diversions

Learn more about Andrea Hermitt

Andrea Hermitt is a native New Yorker currently residing in GA. She has been married for over 16 years and has two teenage children.

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hambo (41) 07 Nov 2009 02:23 PM

Does your vacuum cleaner have a HEPA filter? We recently bought a new one and I made sure it had a HEPA filter, it stops all the really small bits of dust and allergens from getting out of the vacuum cleaner.

Andrea Hermitt (5507) 11 Nov 2009 03:33 PM

The thing about bagless vacuums with Hepa filters is that I am still exposed to dust when I dump it.

But, I still prefer the look of hardwood, so I am ok without every having to use a vacuum.