Have indoor allergies? Beware. Triggers such as mold, dust, and pet dander wait for you around every corner -- often in unexpected places.

Air Conditioner As dust collects on the cooling coils, mold may begin to grow. Keep dust out by installing a heavy-duty filter and changing it regularly. Window A/C units should be professionally cleaned and disinfected every year.

Bathrooms Black mold often grows in hidden areas as well, contaminating behind walls or below the floor. The best defense is to keep your bathrooms clean and dry. Fix leaky faucets and other sources of water and clean surfaces regularly with a bleach solution.

Bedding Spending eight hours in bed each night leaves behind plenty of dead skin cells to attract dust mites. Put allergen-proof casings on the mattress and the pillows. Wash your sheets every week.

Books Book dust harbors mites, mold spores, and tiny critters called booklice. If you find that handling your books triggers your allergies, try vacuuming their surfaces regularly or storing the books in a closed container.

Carpets and Rugs Carpeting or area rugs accumulate dust, they become a feeding ground for microscopic dust mites. Body parts and feces 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.

Kitchen If your refrigerator has a drip pan, pull it out and scrub it regularly. Standing water attracts mold. Old, moldy food can also trigger allergies. Also, cover trash cans and store food in sealed containers to keep cockroaches away. These nighttime bugs are hard to see, and they trigger allergies in many people.

Pets Pet allergies are common mainly due to pet dander -- dead skin flakes. It floats, settling on carpets, furniture, and bedding. Airflow can carry dander throughout the home. Clean and vacuum often, and wash your hands after playing with your pet.

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

Stuffed Furniture Stuffed furniture provides a cozy refuge for dust mites. Vacuum furniture fabric regularly. Leather, vinyl, or other smooth surfaces can lessen allergies. Use a dehumidifier in damp rooms such as basements to reduce moisture.

Stuffed Toys If your child has a dust mite allergy, his 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.

WebMD
Brunilda Nazario on July 28, 2009