Shape has five tips to keep you home a safe and comfy haven free of allergens that can trigger indoor allergies. Here are the main points, followed by some notes from me:

1. Build a barrier - particularly to dust mites, the most common root for indoor allergies. Commonly co-habitating with us in our beds, carpets, pillows, and upholstered furniture, these microscopic bugs are difficult to get rid of. However, there are lots of tightly-woven covers and casings available in the market that can help keep them away from us. Also remember to change beddings and pillows regularly.

2. Wash in hot water - As I've blogged before:washing laundry in hot water-140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 ºC) or higher-kills all house dust mites, compared with just 6.5% of dust mites in laundry washed at 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 ºC), or warm water. For sensitive fabrics, washing at a lower temperature (between 86-104° F, or 30-40 ºC), then rinsing the laundry twice with cold water for three minutes each is recommended.

3. Make a clean sweep - There is a wide variety of vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters you can choose from. See these pointers in choosing vacuum cleaners. One that has been asthma-certified is the Dyson series.

4. Admire nature from afar - Before taking plants, flowers, and any other item indoors, including your shoes (and self, actually), you're bringing pollen, dust, and other allergens in. Take measures to minimize them in your home.

5. Manage your pets - As in #4, your pets may also be bringing outdoor allergens into your home. Consider using pet cleanse. Cehck out my previous post for tips on coping with pet allergies.