Carpets, fabric sofas and soft toys: should you clear them all out?

Why fabrics build up allergens

House dust mites need damp and skin flakes. Carpets, fabric sofas, curtains and soft toys give them a stable fibre structure and a micro-environment that does not dry out easily. They are not the root cause of the problem, but they clearly make cleaning harder and let allergens stay indoors for a long time.

Deal with them by priority

• The bedroom has the highest priority: try not to lay wall-to-wall carpet, and do not keep large numbers of cushions and fleece blankets
• The living room can keep the fabric furniture you need, but it should be vacuumed regularly and kept ventilated and dry
• For curtains, choose light, thin materials that can be machine washed, and wash them every season
• Soft toys can be washed and then dried at high heat, or put away for a while; a toy a child is attached to can be washed once a week

An extra note for people with eczema

For people with eczema, house dust mite allergens on fabrics, detergent residue and friction from fibres can all make itching worse. Choosing soft, easy-to-wash materials with little dye, together with gentle washing and thorough rinsing, is often more practical than simply replacing your home furnishings. If the skin keeps oozing fluid and sleep is affected, you should see a dermatologist for assessment.

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