If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know that allergens can affect you inside as well as outside. Indoor allergens may be items that you expect to find in the house, such as dust mites and pet dander, but they can also be allergens from outside that make their way in. Things like pollen and mold can easily come indoors through open windows and door, and will even hitchhike indoors via your clothes or shoes.
Indoor home cleaning can improve the effects of seasonal allergies. Here are some cleaning tips to follow:
1. Skip the Feather Duster
When dusting with a feather duster, the dust mostly floats around in the air, which can stir up the allergens and make your symptoms worse. Instead, use something like a wet cloth to wipe and trap the dust, then thoroughly wash the cloth.
2. Keep the Floors Clean
Vacuum carpet and rugs regularly using a vacuum that has a HEPA filter which will prevent allergens from being blown back into the air. Mop hard surfaces, instead of sweeping, to trap and remove allergens. Other cleaning tips for floors are to keep outside your entrance clean to reduce the allergens that are tracked indoors on shoes and remove shoes upon entering.
3. Resist Opening Windows
Opening windows is an excellent way to get fresh air into your house, but that also invites allergens in. When outdoor allergens are high, you may even see a film on the windowsill or nearby furniture from the pollen that floated in and settled. The best way to keep this area clean is to keep the windows closed.
4. Keep Moist Areas Dry
Mold thrives in moist conditions, so it is important to keep the humidity in your home low and prevent any areas from being moist for long periods of time. When seasonal mold spores make their way into your home, they can quickly multiply if they land in a moist area of the home.
5. Clear Out the Clutter
Home cleaning to improve the effects of allergies isn’t just for routine chores; it’s important to also eliminate clutter. Items just sitting around the home, such as stacks of old magazines or boxes of items that are no longer used are known for accumulating dust and other allergens. Instead of needing to remember to clean these items, just get rid of them.
6. Bedding, Curtains, and Blinds
Launder bedding in hot water weekly. Vacuum your comforter or blankets at least weekly as well (more often if you have pets) if you can’t wash them. Vacuum the mattress one or twice a month too. Use your vacuum attachments to clean your window treatments monthly, or if you are able, wash them if they are machine-safe. Clean blinds with a wet cloth to trap and remove dust and allergens.
7. Use Natural, Hypoallergenic Cleaners
Many cleaners are filled with chemicals and fragrances that can trigger allergy symptoms while you clean. Seek out and use cleaning supplies that will help you to keep your home clean instead of adding to your allergy issues. An alternative is to make your own.
