Allergy season is always bound to be miserable for people who are allergic to pollen and mold, especially when they have to spend excessive amounts of time outside. (Who wants to spend time outside in the beautiful spring weather?)

Claritin, Zyrtec and Benedryl are all excellent OTC options for coping with allergies, and allergy sufferers should consider wearing masks when they go outside for longer than half an hour.

But what about time spent at home? Should allergy sufferers have no relief from the itchy eyes, nose and throat that plague them? The following is a list of easy ways to make a home an allergy-free sanctuary.

• Keep bedding clean. Washing bedding at 130 degrees F kills dust mites, and washing bedding weekly frees it of dust and pollen that might collect on it.

• Bathe your pets.

• Vacuum. Carpet attracts and holds dust mites and other allergens. Vacuuming can spread pollens and dust into the air, so after the dust has time to settle, someone should dust the room with something damp that will hold the dust. Vacuum upholstery and drapes as well.

• Ornate furniture, cluttered surfaces, fuzzy blankets, decorative window-coverings and venetian blinds all collect and hold dust and pollen. They are difficult to clean thouroughly, and in many cases it can take so long to clean them that the allergy-proofing efforts may not last. Keep things easy to clean by going a little zen in your decorating.

• Filter the filters. Space heaters spread fewer allergens than hot air vents, but when it isn’t possible to replace the source of heat, cover vents with damp cheesecloths or other filters, changing them every 2 weeks.

• Damp dusting.

• Growing plants inside can promote mold growth, especially if they are overwatered.

• As long as the filters are changed frequently, air conditioners can filter the air coming into the house and can also dry out the air enough to prevent mold growth. Stay cool and avoid the itchy eyes at the same time.

Keeping the house clean and simple can cut down on the allergies you have to deal with when you come in from the allergy-filled world.

Related posts:

1. How to get rid of dust mites?
2. Are you allergies or cold?
3. How to treat common allergies?
4. How to deal with seasonal allergies?
5. Health food stores battle food allergies.