Cleaning for Allergies 101

Allergy suffers know all too well the effects that seasonal allergies can have on their everyday lives. That’s why it’s important to understand how to clean the home to improve the severity of allergies effectively. This starts by knowing some tips and tricks to keep the pollen and dust count low. If you or someone in your home has allergies, read on to learn more about cleaning for allergies, and turn your house into an allergy friendly home!

Cleaning by Rooms

Kitchen

Starting in the kitchen, wipe down surfaces like cabinets, countertops, fridge shelves, tops of cabinets, sink, etc. at least once a week. Also, clean out the fridge as often as possible, keeping leftovers in check and not letting them get too old. To keep mold and other potential allergens at bay, use a garbage can that seals shut and takes out the trash at least every other day. Lastly, using the oven exhaust fan when cooking is a great way to keep the air free of pollutants and allergens.

Living Room 

Because the living room is where your family spends most of their time together, these areas should be comfortable and clean. When cleaning the living area for allergies, be sure to vacuum the carpets and rugs with a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner. This will serve to keep the carpet clean and prevent the air from becoming contaminated. If possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter for added allergy protection. Of course, if you have pets, you might need to vacuum more often depending on how much they shed. Additionally, dust the bookshelves, entertainment centers, or any other areas that commonly gather dust. Have curtains or other upholstery items cleaned professionally or with a heavy duty steamer every few months.

Bedrooms

Make sure that you are washing bedding and linens once a week. Comforters can be cleaned once a month, and every three to four months you should give your mattress and pillows a good cleaning by vacuuming and switching out pillows if needed. Washing your linens at a high temperature or in a sanitize setting will ensure that you kill all the dust mites and other harmful substances that trigger allergies.

Additional Cleaning Tips

• Keeping pet dander under control throughout the house can help alleviate allergy stress.
• Don’t use scented cleaners or detergents as fragrances can trigger allergy symptoms.
• Wear a mask when you clean to limit your exposure to allergens kicked up into the air.
• Add some air-purifying plants to your home to improve the overall air quality.

Finally, don’t forget about your HVAC system! The HVAC system is the hub of the home and plays a significant role in the air purity of your home. Keep the air filters clean, and change them every couple of months. You can also purchase allergy related air filters for extra filtration and improved air quality. Have your HVAC system maintained and cleaned every so often to check for any issues in the air duct system.

Keep these tips in mind when cleaning for allergies in your home. You can easily make them part of your cleaning routine each season. For more information on cleaning for allergies in other areas of the home, click here. Or, Spouses Cleaning Houses can help you achieve an allergy-safe home. Contact us today to schedule a cleaning appointment.