9 hidden allergy hotspots in your home

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Potted plants

Do you have indoor allergies? Beware. Triggers such as mould, dust and pet dander lurk around every corner, often in unexpected places.

Take a good look at your houseplants. Mould spores, like the ones shown in this slide, can grow in the pots and spread to the floor. To minimise this, remove dead leaves, use saucers and avoid over-watering.

Pets

Pet allergies are common, but Fido's fur is not to blame. The real problem is proteins found in urine, saliva, and pet dander - dead skin flakes that become airborne and settle on carpets, furniture and bedding.

Keeping the pet out of your bedroom helps.

You should also clean and vacuum often, and wash your hands after playing with your pet.

Carpets and mats

Carpeting or mats can liven up a room in ways you didn't intend.

As they accumulate dust, they become a feeding ground for microscopic dust mites. Body parts and faeces from dust mites are notorious indoor allergy triggers.

To reduce this problem, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, or consider removing the carpeting altogether.

Books

Your food for thought may also be food for pests. Book dust harbours mites, mould spores and tiny creatures called booklice, shown in this slide.

If you find that handling your books triggers your allergies, try vacuuming their surfaces regularly or storing the books in a closed container.

Furniture upholstery

Upholstered furniture provides a cosy refuge for dust mites. Vacuum fabric-covered furniture to reduce dust build-up.

Furniture that has been stored in a damp area, such as a basement, may also contain mould spores, like the ones in this slide. Use a dehumidifier in damp rooms to reduce moisture.

People with indoor allergies may opt for leather, vinyl or other smooth surfaces rather than heavily upholstered furniture.

Bedding

Spending eight hours in bed each night leaves behind plenty of dead skin cells to attract dust mites.

One effective way to keep these pests out of your bed is to put allergen-proof casings on the mattress, bed base and especially the pillows.

Wash your sheets every week. Avoid throws, pillows or duvets that can't be washed. Vacuum the mattress, duvet and pillows too.

Soft toys

If your child has a dust mite allergy, then cuddly friends are probably making things worse.

You don't have to ban stuffed animals. Instead, look for those that are machine washable and wash them in hot water once a week. Dry them thoroughly.

If your child has a favourite that can't be washed, place it in a bag in the freezer for 24 hours once a week instead.

Bathrooms

We've all seen mildew growing on shower tiles. That's the work of mould spores, which like to settle where it’s warm and wet.

Black mould, shown in this slide, often grows in hidden areas as well, contaminating the space behind walls or under the floor.

The best defence is to keep your bathrooms clean and dry. Fix leaky taps and other sources of water. Use air vent fans when showering. Clean surfaces regularly.