Moving Out and Shared Living Space

Living completely independently with their allergies might leave them facing a few new challenges. They will be responsible for maintaining an indoor environment that is safe for their needs and in shared living spaces this can come with its own set of complications.

Some tips on how to help them create an allergy friendly home environment include:

All rooms

• House plants are a cost effective, on trend and popular way for young people to bring a personal flair to their interiors.  However, they can also be a hot spot for mould and dust and this can be problematic for those living with respiratory allergies.
• Curtains, carpets, sofas and beds are ideal environments for house dust mites. After vacuum cleaning, they should open the windows if they are sensitive to house dust mite to help ventilate the room.
• Similarly if pollen counts are high and a trigger for allergic conditions, closing windows at dusk may help.
• Using an air purifier can help reduce allergens and pollutants in the air.
• Drying clothes indoors can encourage mould growth, so if possible should be avoided. Conversely, drying clothes outside for anyone with a pollen allergy may also be problematic.

Kitchens:

• Keep crockery, utensils, dish cloths, baking trays and pans separate to reduce cross contamination.
• Store food safely in the fridge using sealed plastic containers to prevent cross contamination from spills from other foods. If possible take the top shelf in the fridge and freezer.
• Keep in mind that detergents and soaps, including washing up liquid, may contain allergens including nuts, cow’s milk as well as fragrance and other irritants.
• Inside the washing machine and behind appliances are mould hot spots as well as food composting in the kitchen.
• Ventilate the kitchen regularly to avoid mould building up and clean existing mould away.
• Using an extractor fan when cooking can help avoid the build-up of mould.

Bathrooms

• Hand soaps, creams, shampoos and cosmetics may contain potential allergens, like peanut, tree nuts, cow’s milk or coconut and may be referred to in the Latin name on packaging.  Our peanut and tree nut factsheets contain some of the Latin names for these ingredients.
• Shower curtains and non-slip bath mats are a mould hot spot. Clean away any existing mould and regularly ventilate the room.

Bedrooms

• If house dust mite is a trigger, use your own bedding and consider using a protector sheet on the mattress.
• Wardrobes are a magnet for dust. Keep doors closed and it’s wise to not put clothes away when damp, as this can encourage mould growth.