Floors, windows, paint – all have the potential for contributing to an allergy sufferer’s red eyes, congestion and general state of misery. Designers with the Illinois chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers penned these simple decorating and cleaning tips for alleviating airborne allergens in and around the house:

¢ Ditch the drapes. They’re dust-catchers and aren’t easy to clean on a regular basis. Replace fabric window treatments with metal or wood blinds, shades and shutters. They will get dusty too. But these materials are easier to clean.

¢ Watch what’s underfoot. Hardwood floors, stone or ceramic tile are better options than rampant carpeting. Carpeting can harbor all kinds of irritants, not to mention the volatile organic compounds that off-gas, particularly when carpeting is new.

¢ Keep it clean. On a weekly basis, vacuum carpets, rugs, vents and baseboards. Install proper-size exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen to remove warm and humid air, which can lead to a mold problem. And establish a place just inside your family entrance for shoe removal. A shoes-off policy will keep all sorts of dust, bacteria and pollen from being tracked into the house.

¢ Cover it up. When it comes to furniture, instead of overstuffed upholstery, consider wood-framed sofas and chairs with removable cushions that have covers that can be washed. And in the bedroom, cover comforters, mattresses and pillows with allergen-proof covers.