Regular housecleaning can eliminate several allergy triggers and symptoms. But the process of getting rid of them can be quite tricky. It helps to know the best tips to clean your house and keep your allergies under control.
Create A Cleaning Schedule
Those people who do not check the pollen forecast might be able to get away with not doing their household chores. But if you or anyone in your family have allergies, you need to always be on top of your cleaning so that your home will not be a trigger zone. Allergy sufferers must make it a point to clean throughout the week. You can spread out your household chores so that you only have to do little maintenance every day.
Vacuum Regularly
Brooms spread more dust than what they can actually remove. Therefore, when cleaning your house, it’s better to vacuum than sweep. Take out your vacuum cleaner and all its required attachments at least twice a week so you will be able to clean your floors and all your household furniture. You should also consider using vacuums with filters that can trap small particles of dust, pollen, dander, etc.
Dust Weekly
Among the number one cleaning methods for individuals who suffer from allergies is to dust using a microfiber cloth. Brooms are not recommended because they spread allergens around the house instead of removing them. This can trigger asthma or allergy attack. But if you dust using a microfiber cloth, these tiny particles can be removed.
Wash Bedding Every Week
Your sheets may appear to be harmless but they are covered with dander, pollen, human hair, and even pet hair. It might even have dust mites and other things that you do not want to imagine. It is recommended that you wash your linens at least once a week using a detergent that is gentle and fragrance-free. It is also ideal to have your comforter vacuumed twice a week and your mattress cover at least once a month. If your pets curl up with you every night, then you have to vacuum your bed linens at least twice a week, as well.
Curtains and Blinds
Window treatments collect dust and that is why you need to be mindful of them. You can use your vacuum and its specific attachment to clean your curtains and drapes every month. If your window treatments are machine safe then you can have them laundered. In case you have blinds, you must clean them once a month using a microfiber blind cleaner or a microfiber cloth.
Minimize Bathroom Moisture
It is crucial to keep dampness under control especially when you are cleaning for allergies. When left unchecked, moisture in the bathroom can lead to mold growth and mold spores floating around your house. You have to wipe down the walls and floors using a microfiber cloth every time you take a shower, and you have to leave the doors open when you leave the room so that the bathroom can air out. You should also pull back the shower curtain so that the shower will get some air flow. Also, don’t forget to clean the area behind the toilet every week so you can get rid of any dust or hair that may have collected back there.
Reduce Allergens
Cleaning your home to reduce allergy triggers will be easier with a few preventive steps. Here are some more tips that you might find useful. Remove your shoes at the door and ask other members of your family as well as your guests to remove theirs too. It is also better to get rid of odors naturally instead of using scented candles, cleaners, or even air fresheners. Practice minimalism and get rid of dust collecting clutter inside your house. Lastly, keep your windows closed especially on days with high pollen alerts.
If you or any of your family members suffer from environmental allergies, it can be difficult to bring yourself to open your windows much less stir up dander, dust, pollen, or mold when you are cleaning your home. However, allowing allergens to build up in your house will not do you any favors. Unless you enjoy sneezing and having itchy eyes, then the tips provided earlier will help you get started.