Remediation

If your Family Air Care® Indoor Allergens and Mold Test Kit results indicate high levels of allergens in your home, you can immediately take steps to prevent them from getting worse – and even reduce them to normal levels. There are a number of solutions you can undertake by yourself, some with household products you already own, and others that are easily obtainable. More severe situations may require the assistance of a professional.

Mold

• Clean with a commercially available anti-mold product containing bleach and detergent. Clean thoroughly, removing all visible mold and mildew. Anti-mold cleaners can not only kill mold spores, but neutralize mold allergens when used properly. Mere soap and water won’t clear up the problem, even if the mold appears to be scrubbed away.
• Empty and clean your refrigerator drip pan frequently. If the water in the drip pan turns moldy, the refrigerator fan can blow mold spores into the room.
• Maintain the humidity level in your home below 50 percent with an air conditioner or dehumidifier. Monitor humidity levels by using a hygrometer.
• Dispose of food and food waste immediately. Don’t let moldy leftovers lurk in cupboards or the refrigerator.
• Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and the bathroom.
• Mold prefers darkness. Install lighting in dark areas, including closets and basements – especially if they are prone to dampness.
• Address water leaks immediately. Check water fixtures and air-conditioning vents regularly for excess condensation or leaks.
• Keep windows open when humidity levels are low. That can help dehumidify a house.
• Use a High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) air purifier to filter out indoor airborne mold spores.
• Don’t store books, clothing, shoes, or newspapers in humid places. And make sure that anything you store is clean and dry. For example, thoroughly clean your winter boots before putting them away for the season.
• Don’t over-water plants, as soil and even plants themselves can become moldy.
• Don’t use humidifiers or vaporizers.

Dust mites

• Buy an inexpensive hygrometer to monitor moisture levels in your home, and use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels below 30 and 50%.
• Wash sheets, blankets, pillows and other bedding weekly in hot water – at least 130 degrees. Drying bedding on high will help kill dust mites.
• Use special allergen-impermeable encasements for bedding, including pillows, mattresses, duvet covers, and box springs.
• Vacuum thoroughly and frequently using a High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filter vacuum and bags that seal in dust.
• Filter the air with a HEPA air purifier. These can eliminate 99.7 percent of indoor airborne allergens.
• Beware of dust collectors: bed canopies, wall-to-wall carpeting, fuzzy furniture, and anything that can’t easily be washed. Replace non-washable stuffed toys with hypo-allergenic toys that can be washed in hot water.

Cat and Dog

• Consider finding a new home for your pet, as difficult as that decision may be.
• If you do keep your furry companions, have them washed and groomed frequently by someone who isn’t allergic. (Yes, even the cats!) This can lower the amount of dander they release into the air.
• Use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter when vacuuming. Without a HEPA filter, which is designed to trap tiny allergens, vacuuming can make matters worse by stirring up allergen particles and sending them airborne. Change the vacuum cleaner filter frequently.
• Consider removing carpets and installing tile or hardwood floors.
• Change the air filter in your furnace frequently.
• Making a secondary filter from a piece of muslin or cheesecloth and taping it to the inside of the vent can remove allergens.
• Use hypoallergenic mattress and pillow covers.
• If you’re allergic, don’t pet or kiss your dogs and cats. Even family members who aren’t affected should wash their hands after playing with pets to minimize the spread of dander.
• If possible, humanely house your furry pets outside – or at least, banish them from the bedrooms.

Cockroach

• Promptly put away food. Never leave it uncovered overnight
• Throw away food wastes (including fast food wrappers) in a tightly sealed garbage can.
• Use roach traps.
• Use professional pest control services utilizing integrated pest management (IPM) methods.
• Repair water leaks, and seal cracks and crevices.