Speaking from dust & mold allergy experience, grapefruit seed extract works just as well as bleach and you only need a few drops. What little smell there is dissipates quickly, and it doesn't hurt my airways. It is a lot more expensive than bleach, though. A couple of drops of tea tree oil in a normal cleaning solution with soap or whatever works well on some molds too.
Other things I have learned: If at some point you're thinking of remodeling, keep in mind that smooth floors are much easier to keep clean. Blinds are better than most curtains, easily washable curtains are better than blinds. Anything is better than venetian blinds. Vacuum cleaners with really good filters rule, or just use those swiffer static electricity disposable rags (bring a small plastic bag along so once the rag is 'full' you don't have to drag it all over the house). Those allergy covers for pillows and duvets (the ones that let through air and moisture, but keep dust & mold where they are) are worth their weight in gold.
Re desensitisation: I remember reading a research article where shots were counter-indicated for people who either had more than one allergy, or who couldn't easily avoid the allergens (dust & mold were specifically mentioned). I know people who have had good experiences, and people who had really bad experiences.
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Re: Moldy basements
Date: 8/13/03 02:01 pm (UTC)Other things I have learned: If at some point you're thinking of remodeling, keep in mind that smooth floors are much easier to keep clean. Blinds are better than most curtains, easily washable curtains are better than blinds. Anything is better than venetian blinds. Vacuum cleaners with really good filters rule, or just use those swiffer static electricity disposable rags (bring a small plastic bag along so once the rag is 'full' you don't have to drag it all over the house). Those allergy covers for pillows and duvets (the ones that let through air and moisture, but keep dust & mold where they are) are worth their weight in gold.
Re desensitisation: I remember reading a research article where shots were counter-indicated for people who either had more than one allergy, or who couldn't easily avoid the allergens (dust & mold were specifically mentioned). I know people who have had good experiences, and people who had really bad experiences.