Photograph by James Henry/bauersyndication.com.au.
ADVICE HG
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 205
Special report
BREATHE EASY
Aseasonal ‘springclean’ is the idealway to banish
allergens fromyour home, writesPaula Goodyer.SLEEP TIGHT
The Australasian Society of
Clinical Immunology and
Allergy (ASCIA) recommends
washing bedding weekly in
60 ̊C-plus water, placing
washed bedding in the dryer for
10 minutes before use and/or
using special covers for
mattresses, pillows and quilts
to help prevent dustmites
escaping into the air. (ASCIA
recommends brands such as
Allergend, Allerseach and
Miteguard.) Banish soft toys
from bedrooms too or wash in
eucalyptus oil weekly.BREAK THE MOULD
Mould allergy symptoms can
include asthma, watery eyes, a
chronic cough, rashes, sinusitis,
headaches, fatigue and
sneezing. Besides removing all
visible mould, prevent it
occurring by keeping rooms
well aired, says Tonia
Crawford. “Keep your house
naturally ventilated and use
extractor fans in the kitchen,
bathroom and laundry.”
If you’re allergic to mould, the
ASCIA advises:
✚ Sealing leaks in bathrooms
and roofs.
✚ Clearing gutters and blocked
under-floor vents.
✚ Removing indoor pot plants.
✚ Avoiding mowing lawns,
working with garden
compost or mulch.
As for removing mould, bleach
is ineffective, says the West
Australian Department of
Health, which recommends:
✚ Tea tree oil. A 3% solution
or 2 tsp in a spray bottle
with 2 cups of water.
Shake before use.
✚ An 80% white fermented
vinegar solution. Apply the
mixture, leave for at least 20
minutes then lightly sponge
with clean water.A
bout 20 per cent of Australians
live with allergies and health
conditions such as asthma,
eczema and allergic rhinitis. And
unfortunately many of the potential
triggers are in the air we breathe at home.
Throughout their life cycle, dustmites
produce proteins that can trigger allergic
reactions such as asthma and eczema insusceptible people. And dustmites
thrive in carpets and soft furnishings,
particularly in humid coastal locations.
Airborne spores from mould or allergens
clinging to pet hair can also provoke
sneezing, runny or stuffy noses, coughs,
post-nasal drip or itchy eyes.
Happily there are proven ways to help
reduce allergens in the home. Adopting >