How to Live With an Allergy to Mildew

Mildew is caused by a variety of fungi and usually appears in damp places. Allergies to mildew are usually respiratory, and can range from mild to quite severe.

Things You'll Need

• Denatured Alcohol
• Dehumidifiers
• Fans
• Hygrometers
• White Vinegar
• Primers And Sealers
• Bath Exhaust Fans

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Instructions

• 1

  Maintain indoor humidity levels below 45 percent. Mildew needs humidity to thrive.

• 2

  Reduce humidity with an air conditioner, and measure levels in your home with a hygrometer.

• 3

  Use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels.

• 4

  Clean air conditioner and dehumidifier vents daily, and change filters frequently.

• 5

  Keep your house well ventilated at all times. Air and sun are your best weapons against mildew.

• 6

  Opt for a home that has windows in the bathroom. Keep windows open slightly both during and right after taking a shower.

• 7

  Ventilate the bathroom using a fan, and/or use a heat lamp to help dry up moisture if having a window is not possible.

• 8

  Avoid heavy carpeting and wallpaper. Both collect mildew.

• 9

  Pull up carpets if possible, and replace with tiles or hardwood flooring, or any other type of smooth surface.

• 10

  Treat walls with an anti-mold/mildew primer if you want to hang wallpaper. This will help prevent any fungus from growing under the wallpaper. Avoid fabric or heavily textured wallpaper.

• 11

  Use oil-based paint rather than water-based when painting your house. Oil-based paints seem to attract less mildew.

• 12

  Eliminate or reduce the number of plants inside your house. They increase humidity levels.

• 13

  Fix leaky pipes, broken underground drainage systems, and other sources of water leakage.

• 14

  Put a low-wattage bulb in dark closets. Leave it burning at all times to reduce mildew growth.

• 15

  Store out-of-season clothing in airtight plastic bags. Products that vacuum-seal are now available.

• 16

  Clean mildewed rugs with a rug shampoo or any sudsy soap solution. Remove soap by wiping with a wet cloth. Dry in sun if possible.

• 17

  Remove mildew from furniture with soap and water, or use a diluted alcohol solution.

• 18

  Wash your shower curtain every week or so - or use a mildew-resistant liner.

• 19

  Add a supplement of vitamin C with bioflavonoids to your diet - 1,000 to 5,000 mg per day in divided doses. It helps your body cope with allergens and decreases inflammation.

• 20

  Use 500mg quercetin twice daily. It helps reduce allergic reactions and supports the immune system.

• 21

  Wear a surgical mask while you clean mildew if you are very allergic. Take frequent breaks.