In the summer put your blankets and mattresses out in the sun. Remove soft toys from children's beds, especially at night. Keep the house tidy. Put clothes away in wardrobes and avoid clutter on ledges where dust can accumulate. Use cotton or synthetic blankets instead of wool.
Curtains made of lightweight materials are less likely to accumulate dust.
Washable curtains or vertical blinds are also easier to clean. Remove any sources of damp, rising damp and water leaks in your home. Consider replacing fabric-upholstered furniture with leather or vinyl. The house-dust mite triggers symptoms for up to 85 per cent of people with asthma. The allergen lies in a protein contained in the mite's droppings.