Bedroom allergy-proofing checklist: ordered from lowest to highest cost

Start with what costs nothing: clear the space around the bed and ventilate every day

Start with the things that do not cost money. Keep flat surfaces that collect dust, such as under the bed, the top of the bedside table and the windowsill, as clear as possible. The fewer items there are, the fewer places dust can settle, and the quicker they are to wipe.

Do not make the bed straight away after getting up. Pull the duvet back and let the mattress surface air for a while, so the moisture that builds up overnight can escape. House dust mites like damp, so a drier bed surface makes the environment less suitable for them.

Ventilate during the day. Open the windows for a while each day to exchange indoor and outdoor air; this is more reliable than keeping the windows shut all the time. During pollen season or when outdoor air pollution is heavy, you can shorten the time the windows are open, or choose times when there is less pollen.

What a few dozen yuan can do: cover the bedding and wash the pillows

The bed is the most worthwhile place to start in the bedroom. People spend a long time in bed each night, and skin flakes and sweat stay in the bedding; house dust mites live on these. Putting washable mite-proof covers on the mattress and pillows is a step with a small cost and a clear benefit.

When choosing, look at two things: whether the fabric pores are small enough to keep house dust mites and their droppings inside, and whether you can tolerate washing it. The covers need to be washed regularly in hot water, otherwise the effect is reduced. Ask a doctor or a professional for guidance on the specific material and washing temperature.

Change and wash sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases on a fixed schedule; this works better than washing only when you remember. Dry them in the sun or in a dryer if possible, and do not put bedding back while it is still damp.

One or two hundred yuan: cut back on floors and curtains

For floors, choose materials that are easy to wipe. If the bedroom has a large carpet, consider removing it or reducing its size. Carpets and soft mats trap dust and are hard to clean thoroughly. If you cannot remove them, at least make sure they can be vacuumed regularly.

Change curtains to simple styles that can be machine washed; avoid heavy ones with many folds and decorations. Set a fixed washing schedule; this is more meaningful than washing once a year. Venetian blinds and fabric curtains each have pros and cons; the key is whether they can be washed often.

Keep soft items such as soft toys, cushions and fabric storage boxes to a minimum. Soft toys on a child's bed can be washed regularly, or put away in a cupboard for a while.

A few hundred yuan: closed storage and humidity you can see

The principle of storage is to keep things hidden. Put clothes and bedding in cupboards or storage boxes with doors or lids, and reduce open piles. Make sure seasonal bedding is dry before storing it, so you do not seal dampness in with it.

Humidity needs a number you can see. You can put in a simple hygrometer and keep indoor humidity in a range that is not too damp. Use a dehumidifier when it is too damp, and do not keep adding humidity when it is too dry; ask a doctor for the specific range.

Try not to dry wet clothes in the bedroom, and do not leave a humidifier on all night. Wipe damp walls and window frames dry promptly, and deal with mould spots early; mould itself is also a common allergy trigger.

When to see a doctor: do not just rely on cleaning and toughing it out

Bedroom changes are everyday protection, not a way to diagnose. If the following happen, see a doctor as soon as possible and let the doctor work out the cause.

You keep waking at night with a blocked nose, cough or wheeze, or you sneeze repeatedly and have a runny nose first thing in the morning, affecting school or work during the day.

Skin rashes and itching keep coming back, and scratching causes oozing or crusting that does not improve with moisturising and cleaning.

Eye itching, redness and swelling keep coming back, or there is obvious swelling of the eyelids.

If there is swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, a hoarse voice, or dizziness, weakness or confusion, seek medical help immediately or call 120 (the emergency number in China). Do not wait and watch.

If symptoms always get worse in the bedroom and ease in another room, tell your doctor about this pattern; it can help work out the trigger. Whether to have allergen testing and how to arrange it is for the doctor to decide.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.