Are you one of the 50 million Americans that suffer from allergies? As you already know, triggers outside the home are often beyond your control.
But managing allergy causes at home is possible with the right cleaning strategies.
Try these cleaning tips to target areas of your home that may be making your symptoms worse.
Vacuum Regularly
Do you have carpeted floors or rugs in your home? Do you have pets? Vacuuming once or twice a week can cut down on allergens, like dust mites and pet dander, lurking in your carpets and under your bed.
As long as you use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter — or high-efficiency particulate filter — you can feel more confident that you’re sucking up the allergic triggers rather than just shooting them back out into the air.
Consider Removing Shoes and Carpets
If you live in a home with a lot of carpeting and you feel like you’re suffering from allergies, you may want to rethink your flooring.
People with dust mite allergies can be particularly susceptible to allergic causes in carpets. Vacuuming alone isn’t enough to get rid of these unintentional housemates.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American recommends choosing low-pile rugs that are washable instead of wall-to-wall carpet to reduce allergens.
Mind Bedding, Linens, and Laundry
Dust and asthma are closely connected. In the home, it may be easier to spot dust on shelves and furniture. But don’t forget bedding and laundry.
Make sure to not only change your bedding regularly, but also to wash them in hot water to eliminate allergy irritants.
Another practice you might not have considered to be harmful is air-drying your laundry outside. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, this leaves your clothing susceptible to picking up whatever is floating in the air.
Wear Protective Gear
Ironically, cleaning can be one of the most allergy-triggering activities for those with allergies. That’s why one of the most important tips for allergy sufferers is to protect themselves while cleaning.
Household tidying can stir up dust, pet dander, and other particles that cause allergy flare-ups. Wear a mask and gloves when vacuuming or dusting. You could also consider leaving these chores to someone else altogether.
Be Choosy With Cleaning Agents
Cleaning products are another trigger for allergy sufferers. Many of the most common cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. There are better cleaning products for asthma sufferers out there.
Choose agents that are fragrance-free and don’t contain chemicals. There are many eco-friendly cleaning solutions that do the job of deep-cleaning without harming you or the environment. These include vinegar, baking soda, and even natural soaps.
Contain Moisture in Bathrooms and Basements
Mold thrives in moist and damp areas of the home, and that’s no surprise. But did you know dust is also a fan of high humidity levels?
While it can be a challenge to remove moisture from areas like bathrooms and basements, try these tips for managing safe humidity levels:
- Run the exhaust fan while showering and open windows
- Keep a dehumidifier in basement areas to reduce dampness
- Remove carpet from these areas and use washable short-pile rugs instead
- Regularly inspect areas for signs of mold and mildew — and wear protective gear when cleaning up these issues
Get More Practical Cleaning Tips
If you’re interested in more useful cleaning tips for allergies in every area of your home, you’ll find plenty of tips on our blog. Keep browsing, and don’t hesitate to request a quote for any of our cleaning services.