My boyfriend is allergic to my apartment

[CarlyJ14]

Hi,
My boyfriend has allergies to my apartment. He said its most likely from mold in the basement or dust around the apartment.  Would me getting an air purifier help? I don't know anything about them, is one sufficient for a 4 room apartment? Is there a particular type I should look for or is there something else that would help so he's not miserable everytime he comes over?
Thank you,
Stephanie

[crystalfresh]

They help. I needed 4 for a room 12x12 to really feel the effect. They help but not much unless they are very large and powerful. But for some people just a little help is helpful. In his case I don't think it will do all that much for a large place. Washing the floors before he comes will do more. Dusting does make it worst. Try to dust on days he is not coming over.

[CarlyJ14]

Thank you for responding. I don't have any carpets though and keep all of my laundry in a closed area, but I do it pretty frequently and there's usually no worn clothes around. I try to dust pretty often but I feel like it builds up pretty quickly. I usually dusts before he comes over.. do you think its possible that stirs it up and causes a problem? Would an air purifier help with that? My apartment is only about 750 sq ft at the most so I don't know if it would or would not be worth it.
Thanks

[crystalfresh]

Keeping it clean is the best that you can do. Dust hides in and on messy. So stuff piled up is always a problem for people with allergies. Don't rule out perfume smells too. Any mold is a sure trigger like in the bathrooms. If you have or already do all this, walk him around the apartment and see if he can't detect with his allergies the sources of his allergy reactions. Turn off all things that blow air for an hour and then let him walk in. He should feel which rooms are better and worst. Maybe it is something that can be cleaned ro a room that can be closed. ? But if there is carpet I'd bet that's what it is. Capet should be vacuumed 3+ times a week.

[crystalfresh]

You would need a giant purifier so I don't think that will do it. Chances are that you have carpet somewhere and maybe dirty laundry. Make sure all the laundry is clean even if not in the room. Clothes that have been worn have pollen and dust mites. Vacuum the carpet a few hours before he gets there. Make sure your air filter on the AC or heater are changed or cleaned monthly. I think that might be all you can do. Some allergies come from under the carpet or behind the walls.