There’s something about the transition between the cold winter months to the warm temperatures of spring that makes people want to throw open their windows and give their homes a good deep clean. However, those with allergies understand the dread that surrounds this time of year.
Not only does spring bring with it an increase in pollen but giving your house a thorough clean means kicking up dust and irritants. Thankfully, we have some tips and tricks you can follow to give your house a much-needed spring clean while reducing the allergens in your home.
If all else fails, you can always have a professional cleaner do the work for you!
The Best Tools and Products for Allergen Reduction
In order to keep your home clean enough to keep allergies at bay, you need the right tools and cleaners.
When it comes to cleaners, steer clear from products that contain irritants such as ammonia, d-limonene, formaldehyde, sodium hypochlorite, and sodium lauryl sulfate. These chemicals can actually cause the same symptoms as an allergen, further aggravating allergies. It’s important to always read the label before purchasing and using a new cleaning or laundry product.
Many companies now offer natural cleaning products that contain all-natural ingredients. However, you can also use homemade cleaning products made with white vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice.
Along with a good, natural cleaner, you should consider the following tools to reduce allergens in your home:
- Vacuum Cleaner: Look for a vacuum cleaner with a fine-particle HEPA filter or a double bag in order to trap as much dust and allergens as possible. If your vacuum is a bagless model, be sure to clean and wash out the collection cup regularly.
- Disposable Dust Wipes: In order to clean up dust without spreading it throughout the air, use synthetic dusting wipes and wands. They attract dust by creating static cling. This holds the dust until you can dispose of it in the trash.
- Washable Microfiber Cleaning Cloths and Mops: Microfiber clothes attract dust better than cotton or paper towel. Removable microfiber mop heads and microfiber cleaning clothes can be thrown in the washing machine for a thorough cleaning.
- Dye Free and Unscented Laundry Products: Studies have shown that dye can contribute to skin irritation and scented products can aggravate allergens.
Now that you have the tools, here are some ways you can reduce allergens throughout your home:
How to Reduce Allergens Throughout Your Home
Keeping a clean home is a sure way to reduce the allergens in your home. Here is how to avoid allergens and irritants with routine chores and proactive measures:
Routines Chores to Reduce Allergens
When it comes to regularly cleaning your home, how you set about doing it can make a huge difference in how effectively dust and allergens are removed from your living space.
Be sure to start at the top of each room and work your way down. Begin with ceiling fans and light fixtures before moving on to blinds and curtains. Dust any furniture using a disposable dust wipe and clean upholstery with a vacuum. Finish by vacuuming the floor, including the spaces underneath and behind furniture.
Keep your linens, clothes, and towels clean by washing at least once a week in hot water. As tempting as it may be, avoid hanging your laundry out to dry. Pollen in the outdoor air can come into contact with the fabrics and irritate allergies.
In the bathroom and kitchen, remove and reduce the growth of mold and mildew by using chlorine bleach (keep out of reach of children!) or hydrogen peroxide. If you choose to use a commercial mildew cleaner, be sure to read the instructions carefully.
Eliminate Allergens to Prevent Flareups in Your Home
By being proactive, you can eliminate allergens before they become an issue. Here are a few helpful tips to follow:
- Get rid of rugs and carpets since these types of flooring can trap allergens. Instead, opt for vinyl, tile, or hardwood with small, washable rugs and mats.
- Switch to roller shades instead of horizontal blinds or curtains. They are easier to clean and have a smooth surface that dust cannot easily settle on.
- Keep your pets out of your bedroom. While we all love to cuddle with our favourite furry friends, this will help reduce the amount of pet hair and dander in your sleeping space.
- If possible use air conditioning instead of opening windows. While the fresh air is tempting, opening your windows will allow dust, dirt, pollen and other allergy triggers to enter your home.
These are great ways to keep allergens under control on a regular basis. However, your home – and your allergies – can also benefit from a good spring cleaning!
Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks to Reduce Allergies
A good spring cleaning once a year is a great way to reduce allergens in your home. In addition to your regular house cleaning routine, try these tips and tricks to give your home a good deep clean this spring:
- Reduce clutter. Piles of stuff can trap dust and hide allergens such as dust mites. Take this opportunity to toss or donate unwanted items and organize your home.
- Wear a mask when you clean. Deep cleaning your home can kick up a lot of dust, so wearing a mask can help prevent allergies from being irritated.
- Dampen your clothes and mops. This will help dust and dirt stick to them instead of simply spreading allergens around.
- Ask other family members to pitch in. If it’s you that suffers from allergies, delegate tasks to other family members to reduce your exposure to irritants.
Keeping allergies at bay can be a lot of work. Reduce the stress of cleaning your home to keep your allergies at bay by enlisting the help of a professional house cleaner. The experts at Dust Queen are dedicating to providing you a clean and happy home while working with your schedule, needs, and budget.