Any creative ideas besides just vaccuming as landlord won't let me rip out the carpet.

Caroets contain dust that cannot be cleaned by ordinary vaccumung , it has to be steam cleaned on reguar basis by a professional carpet cleaner or a carpet  cleaning equipment available at grocery store for rent Alternatively one can buy a steam cleaner from any departmental store which wila good investment with children with allergies .Hope this answer helps.

Cover the carpet with a tarp.  Then you can hose the tarp off when it gets dirty.

john

thank you for the suggestion. I may sound stupid, but  you say steam clean on a regular basis--once a month or every other month? I do have a small/med. size steam rug cleaner I bought at the store and so far I've only been using it twice a year.

Now that is a very innovative suggestion. Impractical for most of my home, but definitely not for my son's room as he is the one with the health problem.

Thank you.

I wouldn't  cover your carpet with tarp or steam clean with a home cleaner. Both will be very difficult, with risks of making your situation worse. Depending on the exact type and severity of the allergy, there may be different solutions. Carpet carries MANY things that may cause or contribute to the allergic reaction. Including dust, dust mites, mold, skin, hair, dander, etc. If you use a home cleaner, it is impossible to get a sufficient amount of water removed, therefore, you usually increase the mold component of the carpet. Even if mold is not the specific allergy, it is quite dangerous to everyone, especially certain types of water mold. Even if you (or your son) is not allergic now, the fact that you have any allergies already shows a propensity for allergic reaction and mold is one of the most common allergies and will  most likely to develop if you end up with a situation with long-term exposure to it. It is almost impossible to remove completely from a house if you get it started. It takes a specialized team of people to safely remove mold completely from a home. Both sealing down your carpet with a tarp and repeatedly home steam cleaning have the very distinct possibility of creating a much worse problem than you already have. The tarp would also trap more of all of the other houshold allergens in, and the body will still react to it. It would not be possible to seal it to the point that it could protect anyone from the potential allergens. Plus the added problem of the fumes that are released from tarps, all plastic varieties release harmful fumes and tarps are extremely strong smelling, they are designed for outdoor use and would undoubtedly do much more harm than good. The reality is that allergies are complicated to deal with and there is no simple cheep solution. I would carpet clean with a professional service only. There are specialty companies that have extrodinary extracting machines. I use one called Sahara--and within a few minutes of there finishing, you can walk on the carpet in bare feet and it feels dry. This is done specifically to eliminate the possiblity of creating mold. They also have special cleaning agents and chemical treatments that help to treat surfaces to reduce all kinds of allergens. The carpets are also extremely clean, I have been very happy with the results. I also had them do my furniture. Research your area for qualified carpet cleaners and treaters that have the extra strong extraction and do it more frequently than you were before. Also, there is no substitute for a GOOD air cleaner!! A furnace variety will help to clean all of the air that is circulating, and a stand-alone, at least in the room is a huge benefit, as you breathe very deeply when you sleep and spend a fair amount of time doing it, it is one of the biggest improvements in any airborne type of allergy control. Some of these machines work very well. Do your research and see what you like that is affordable. Although in this area often you get what you pay for, some of the spendy ones are the best. Might be worth it in health costs and peace of mind though. I would avoid the varieties that use ozone. Ozone is toxic in certain levels and has side effects similar to carbon monoxide exposure. It says on the products I investigated, discontinue use and open windows or leave the house if these symptoms develop. I didn't want to have to worry about the possibility of too much ozone. I like the varieties with no water use to run them, and with no filters to change. Some just have metals collectors that are wiped down, this seemed better than some of the alternatives. Either way, there are many alternatives and lots of info on the web. I would spend a few days reasearching your best options and perhaps consider some vitamin terapy als well, I have had excellent results. I used to have literally dozens of allergies to many different kinds of things, now I was retested and have only a mild sensitivity to green beans, they said, just don't eat them more than once a week. I used to be allergic to virtually every tree, mold pollen, dust, perfume, almost any type of airborne contaminent. Now they are all gone. Another thing to consider is would the landlord let you replace the carpet with some other apporpriate flooring?  There might be the possiblity of finding help if your son were to be sick enough, it maight be possible to get someone to pay to have it replaced for his health. Ask your doctor and check for community health resources or charities that may be able to assist. The ladlord might relent if you can get the bill covered. Also, you can check and see if there is a "Tenents Union" in your city or state, some have them and they could assist you in requiring it replaced if it is necessary. So keep up the good work investigating your problem and hope you have very good luck with this.

Best Wishes,

Karen

regular vacuuming, sunlight and good ventilation will help control dustmites. also spraying the carpet with eucalyptus oil or titree oil - just a few drops in water. steam cleaning at high temperatures kills dustmites. here in australia we used to be able to buy a spray to control dustmites in carpet from the chemist, i don't know if it's still available. 

I had multiple allergies all my life which caused chronic swelling and poor health. The many doctors I consulted called it "ideopathic edema", which means you're all swollen up but we don't know why. In desperation I tried NAET (google) and it has worked for me. This requires time and money, but I'd rather live in a cardboard box allergy-free than in a mansion as I was before. If you try it, please make sure the practitioner is certified and well-recommended, because this method is an art as well as a science. Good luck.

I've read all the responses, and agree that you could create a worse problem by steam cleaning the carpet if the problem is mold related. There isn't much else you can do besides vacuum daily.

I'm allergic to wool and cannot be in a room with my husband or anyone if they're wearing a wool jacket or sweater. My aunt had wool carpets and I couldn't even visit her unless we stayed outside. I have many many allergies and spent most of my childhood suffering from them. I didn't have a normal fun childhood because of the allergies that were undiagnosed for the most part. (back in those days, allergies were just beginning to be tested and there were no cures other than avoidance...which was not practical)

Some people think you can just 'tolerate' allergies and 'be brave' but when something makes you sick, tolerating it isn't pleasant if it's even possible. It's very tiring and drains energy in every way.

I can only say, if it was me, I would move and not let my child feel sick all the time.

Good luck

:)m

There is a product that is specially formulated for people with allergies.  It seals in the toxins in your carpet.  Here's a link for more information:  http://www.afmsafecoat.com/products.php?page=5.  A lot of people use this for the carpet in new cars, but home use would be fine, too.  I am not associated with this site at all, just know about it because of our many allergies.

Hope this helps.

Audrey  :)

I agree with you.  I would move and find a place without carpeting if allergies are that severe.

I have mild allergies but can't tolerate cool indoor temperatures.  People think I am crazy.  I can't even visit my siblings due to this since it isn't fair to them to turn up the heat just to accomadate me.  For me this is like an allergy.  I get physically ill when I get cold.

Hmmm...my allergies are worse when it's hot and stuffy. I thought most people with allergies felt better in the coolness when humidity is lower and allergens are not so free-floating.

Perhaps another doctor or practitioner could test you to see if there's an underlying problem that is not allergies.

Good luck

:)m

 About the intolerance to cool indoor temperatures:

If your reaction is a runny nose or post nasal drainage it may be that you have "vasomotor rhinitis" which is more of a neurological (cholinergic) reaction to temperature than an allergy.

If you feel run down and get an upper respiratory infection after being in the cold, it may be that it is somehow stressing your immune system.  

Untreated hypothyroidism can also make people more intolerant to cold.

I get severe migraines if forced to be inside in a cool room.  Cool to me is 70 degrees. I am also extremely uncomfortable.  I get physically and mentally exhausted.  It is the temperature but even more so if there is a draft from the HVAC system.  Too cool AC makes me miserable in just a few minutes.  This also brings on asthma symptoms with shortness of breath.  I was honestly shocked when I found that out.  The best way to explain it is that along with the headaches my sinuses and lungs feel raw.  My hands, feet and face get very cold.  I refuse to take drugs for this just to treat the symptoms.

I have had several thyroid tests done and was told by my doctor that my insurance won't cover anymore since they never find anything.  I believe I do truly have a medical consition that is casunig this.  Also several members of my family have this problem but not as severe as I do.

I have even resorted to hypnotherapy.  It has helped me with other issues but not with this.

Thankfully I was able to convince my employer that this was a very real problem for me even though no doctor could pinpoint the problem.  I missed alot of work and suffered alot of harassment at work before this was resolved.  I was given an office by myself where I can be reasonably comfortable but have to be in cold areas several times a day.  I never have a good day at work.  Howver I can't quit because I am 25 years into a 30 year pension.  I also really do like what I do.  I just wish I could find a place to work without being ill.

If your carpet is making you sick, there's something wrong with the carpet. Get rid of it. Carpet is largely made of  chemicals that let off "gasses" and release irritating fibers into the air.

Also, molds and mites love carpet and you cannot avoid them no matter how often you vaccume. It would be like planting flowers and shewing away the bees. If you create a dust-mite environment, they will come.

So, the landlord issue: What's the worse thing that could happen? You would loose your security deposit? Your health is more important. If there's nothing but sub-flooring under the carpet, move to a place with hard-wood floors and fresh air and soon as possible. Your body is telling you something: Live where you can breath at the same time. It makes for a much more pleasant sanctuary.

Don't be trapped thinking you can't make this change. You will be so relieved and your quality of life will be so improved, that even a huge inconvenience is worth it! You won't believe how good you can feel! Keep open to more ways you can improve your health. Picture yourself in perfect health and more opportunities and answers will show up for you!

Until more of us are willing to make life-style changes, there will continue to be crappy sickening carpets installed in appartments where people can't afford to make changes. More and more of us will become sick. The only cure is to refuse to live there. Choose a clean environment. They do exsist. Keep looking. Rent a room form an old person. Look for a cheep farm house. Some older apartments are still in good shape, so what if the floor creeks! That's called character. Love where you live and clean it with natural products. Your allergies will not have anything to respond to, so they will "go away" so to speak.

 Ms. Rae

studiolevel@stjoelive.com

Well, the worse that could happen is homelessness. We live in a very expensive town for rentals. Getting a van would be expensive to rent to move all of our belongings. And no one I know has a truck. Plus the cost of first and last months rent, security deposit which is usually around 500 here, cleaning fee.- We do not have that kind of money. As for old farm houses--there aren't any around here. Our rent is currently affordable-under 700. Hard-wood floors in houses here are a luxury item, only in expensive houses. In apartments they are non-existant. I have lived in this town for 20 years and at one time worked as an apartment leasing agent. I know this area inside and out. Rent for an apartment is over 820 on average, and a house is around 1200. My current landlord at least doesn't raise my rent every year which is a standard practice for apartments. We currently live in a duplex. There are 5 of us, so we cannot move into a one bedroom which we might be able to pay for monthly, except for 1st and last and deposit and cleaning fees, but Only 2 people to a one bedroom is allowed here  and we cannot afford a three bedroom that's for sure. So I am trying to find alternative solutions besides moving. I definitely have an open mind to that and believe one can be found which is why i asked for help.I also try to use natural products as much as I can, but they are  usually too expensive for us, so I make my own. If I had the money, your suggestions would be so easy for us to implement as they are good ideas and a good way to think. So I thank you for your advice. And I will continue to cast about for a positive solution to my dilemma. Peace and good wishes to you.

Dear jb231, Raised 4 allergic sons along with an allergic husband and my allergic self. The things that helped. An electronic air filter that we could wash ourselves. (no money for replaceable filters) and less carpet.  When you can't remove the carpet, washing is good. dry with a large shop wet to dry vac. that has enough power to extract well. Don't use a lot of water and use herbal anti-fungal, anti-mite  etc. cleaners. You could wash withsome or spray them on after washing. Find formulas on herbal web sites; local (not chain) health-food stores, orgood co-operative market. In other words, use "green products". We were allergic 40 years ago when there wasn't much out there. My oldest is now 45. If you have forced air from a furnace, your filter goes on the main cold air return. Do you share the furnace with the other tenant? if you have radiant heat or base board and no forced air ducts, get a room air cleaner for the kids bedrooms and your own. Sleeping in an allergan free environment is ususally enough to get you through the next day a doctor told me when he perscribed the electronic air filter. Get a prescription from the doctor and you can take it off on your medical deductions. We did. Can you have a tuft of the carpet analyzed?If it's wool or another allergen, maybe the landlord would go halves with you to have it replaced with berber or very minimal pile in an allergen free carpet, layed without glue. I understand about not moving. Make sure the carpet is the cullprit first. I gave allergen shots to my husband and one son for about 6 months,after that, they were much improved. Try Joe and Terry graedons web The People,s Pharmacy.com. It's free, and you can do questions just like on Dr. Weil's site. Good Luck! DPruby

I llke the last poster's advice (momm D)! Only thing I want to add is about natural cleaners, there is a great book that you should get, it's only $ 14 and gives you recipes for all your cleaning needs with very cheap ingredients (vinegar, baking soda, a few essential oils, and you're good to go!)

"Clean House, Clean Planet - Clean Your Home for Pennies a Day THE SAFE, NONTOXIC WAY" by Karen Logan

I found it at Borders.

I hear you. Finances are a real problem for many people right now including myself. I am lucky to live where I do. Even with tile and hardwood floors, I use an Ionizer. You might look into it. I have one for the whole hose and move it around. You have to dust and vacuum more often because the principle behind an ionizer is that it changes the magnetic structure of the electrically-charged particles in the air and causes the allergens to fall - and then they just sit around as dust particles on the surfaces. That way you are not breathing them, until you walk through the room and "kick um back up." So, frequent dusting and vacuuming is part of the program. Also, for some reason, you are not supposed to sleep in the room while the thing is running. Can’t recall why. It's safe otherwise and completely silent. It does have an LED light so you know when it's on or off by looking at it. Also the light attracts mites and they climb in and die, so you have to change out a filter about every 6 months or so ($35 a pop) but worth it. Can't recall how much I paid for the machine itself, but whatever it costs these days, it's worth it. When I travel, I take it with me, because I sure notice a huge difference without it.

The brand I have is AirSource.

Okay, now I hope to inspire you, so please don’t take this as anything but friendly, well-meaning advise from a friend who’s lived it. I’ve taught classes in natural healing for several years now, and I’ve found a common thread in this allergy issue.

Please, remember that allergies are a symptom of immune deficiency. It's sort of a chicken-egg issue. You need to rebuild the immune system in order to "fight" the allergies. And, to fight the allergies effectively, you have to allow the immune system to rebuild, free form irritants. (All irritants, not just environmental. )Look into nutritional options for allergy relief. Start with an anti-inflammatory diet or PH-balancing diet. Also identify food-allergens. A good resource is a big book called  “Prescription for Nutritional Healing”, now in it's forth addition. I used to sit on the floor at Boarders and look things up in it. I finally bought a copy, but at first, it was free advise. Some libraries have it. Food allergies can make people, especially children, more susceptible to environmental allergies. (My son was diagnosed with asthma and IBS. The diagnosis of the MD doctors was wrong.  It turned out he was allergic to wheat. When we put him on a gluten-free diet, his asthma went away and he was free from stomach pain for years. He started reintroducing wheat to his diet and the symptoms returned. It didn’t take long for him to switch back to a glutton-free lifestyle. These are things they don’t tell you at the Drs. Office because they have been trained to prescribe medicine for symptoms. The pharmaceutical companies don’t make any money off of us when we are well. That’s why they sell meds to “maintain” the disease. I don’t want to maintain diseases, I want to heal form them!) Anyway, nutrition is a big factor. I advise you to look into it deeper. I was one of those people that “eats pretty good”, and that did not cure anything. Eating to feed your body is just as enjoyable and easy, if not more so that eating ‘cause it’s what Mom used to make or because it’s convenient. Convenience foods have high advertising dollars and they campaign to lead you to believe it’s more convenient than eating real food. It’s an advertisement. It doesn’t even have to be true and it’s not true. Read or watch anything by “Michael Pollen”, he’s fun to watch/read and he’s done the research. Eat food, not food-like substances. If you have tried all this and still, your son has allergy symptoms, keep looking. Picture your family in absolute perfect health and the right advise and answers will come to you. You live it every day. YOU are the expert. What do YOU think needs to be done to improve your son’s quality of life?

 Forget about barriers and why you can't do what you'd like. Imagine it is already done. Imagine yourself free from worry and you will be free from worry. When you let down the walls of resistance, you are better able to see the  right answers and opportunities that are already here. It's a fun and it works every time! Enjoy your journey to healing! Peace

 Ms. Rae

studiolevel@stjoelive.com

I suggest getting a quality HEPA room air purifier. DO NOT EVER BUY any of those “electronic ionizers”, as all they do is emit ozone into the air.

Trust me on this one, I did my research, read more than a few reviews, and highly recommend a product from Vornado:

http://www.vornado.com/CategoryDetail.aspx?ISC_Category=Air%20Purifiers