How can I reduce indoor allergens?

Here are a couple of suggestions:

• Use special 1-micron or latex covers for all pillows and mattresses to keep dust mites from sneaking out of the bed (these are sold commonly as “hypoallergenic dustmite protectors”). They should zip, not just wrap or stretch around like a cover sheet.
• Dust, sweep, and vacuum at least once a week, including curtains, blinds, and vents. Whenever possible, use HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters, which pick up even the smallest microns of dust and trap cat and dog dander. Change them four times a year.
• Fill your home with air-filtering plants. Plants such as ficus, snake plants, and gerbera daisies help clean your air by removing carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other indoor air pollutants. Ask your local plant store for other suggestions.
• If you have severe allergies, you may want to consider hardwood floors instead of carpet in your home.

Of course, there are several OTC and prescription medications available that can help ease symptoms, but our goal here is to help you avoid feeling like a leaky spigot in the first place. And the best way to do that is to treat allergies like anything you dread doing -- put the work in on the front end to minimize the anguish later.