GOOD CLEAN AIR
Here is a high priority: the bedroom should have good, clean air.—Cheryl Mendelson
We sisters share a bedroom and in the past few years have variously developed chronically dry eyes and throat, a dust allergy, and most recently a case of asthma. This year I am making making new efforts to promote clean healthy air—beginning in the room in which we spend over a third of our lives. {In addition, we will be using foods and herbs to nourish our immune systems.}
Here is a checklist of what we plan to do in our bedroom to decrease the allergenic load. Cheryl Mendelson’s excellent housekeeping manual, Home Comforts, provided invaluable guidelines. Although the following is a personal list, you will perhaps benefit by considering these ideas.
{TO DO}
•Remove carpeting, and tile floor.
•Purchase a hygrometer, and possibly a dehumidifier if needed to maintain 30-40% relative humidity.
•Possibly, install a HEPA filter air cleaner, or keep a potted aloe.
•Switch to hypoallergenic laundry detergent.
•Purchase hypoallergenic pillow and mattress covers.
•Find ways to improve ventilation in our bedroom and closets.
{GENERAL}
•Keep window open when possible.
•Keep room temperature cool and relative humidity low.
•Bathe and body brush daily; wash hair once or twice weekly.
•Do not spray perfume, etc. in bedroom. Do not use synthetically scented or aerosol products.
•Keep appliances {cell phone, laptop, etc.} unplugged at night.
•Air dry-cleaned clothing three days before hanging in closet.
{DAILY}
•Air bedroom and bedding several hours before making bed. {Open window when possible.}
This is why. Every night, a single person releases a pint of liquid—sweat, respiration, body oils—into the air and bedding.
{WEEKLY LIGHT CLEAN}
•Launder bedding {including pillow and mattress covers} and nightgowns with hypoallergenic detergent and hot water {over 130℉}.
•Vacuum mattresses and pillows.
•Dust furniture, walls, window blinds, etc. with a dampened cloth and anti-fungal essential oil.
•Vacuum and mop floor around furniture.
•Wash and disinfect filters and drip trays of dehumidifier and air cleaner.
{WEEKLY DEEP CLEAN}
In addition to the tasks listed under the Weekly Light Clean—
•Freeze {or sun} pillows, stuffed animals, etc. for at least six hours.
•Vacuum and mop under the beds.
•Wash and sun-dry hair brushes, combs, body brushes.
•Empty vacuum filter.
{MONTHLY}
•Launder bed dusters with hypoallergenic detergent and hot water {over 130℉}.
•Dust closet shelves.
•Hand-launder and sun-dry lace curtains.
•Wash vacuum filter.
{QUARTERLY}
•Wash and disinfect the vents, filters, fan blades, drip trays and coils of the air conditioning unit.
• detail from Bedroom at Arles by Vincent van Gogh; Fever by Jacek Yerka •
August 26, 2013