It’s no surprise that allergies can make the difference between a great day and a miserable one. Allergic reactions can range anywhere between mild – as in small rashes – to severe, such as headaches, fever, and a constant cough. The truth is, allergies usually begin with your home and daily surroundings.
For individuals who spend a significant part of the day at home, such as small children and older adults, finding the source of allergies and eliminating it is the most important thing to do. To reduce allergies, you can eliminate the contributing factors by thoroughly cleaning the house on a regular basis.
Below are cleaning tips to reduce allergies:
Vacuuming
While a regular vacuum cleaner helps to clear all dust and dirt from the floor, it cannot suck out very tiny dust particles that cause allergies. Make sure that the vacuum cleaner you are using has a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter so that it sucks out even minute particles like dust mites, pollen, and mold spores.
Reduce clutter
Piles of unwashed clothes, paper and books can lead to dust accumulation. It can also be the breeding ground for cockroach and dust mites. Make sure that unused books and papers are disposed of properly. Prevent a pile-up of dirty clothes by doing laundry regularly and keeping clothes neatly folded and hung. This way you are reducing the chances for dust to accumulate.
Washing sheets
On a weekly basis, it is crucial to wash bed sheets and other linens with hot water. Washing in hot water helps to kill dust mites. Once washed, use the dryer to dry clothes. Although hanging the clothes out in the sun is a very economical choice, if you are prone to pollen allergy, this may not be a good option.
Avoid scented cleaners
If you are prone to allergies, chances are high that fragrances in cleaners can trigger an allergic reaction. Therefore, you should stick to unscented cleaners.
Mop floors instead of dusting
If you feel there is too much dust accumulation on your floors, mop the area with a microfiber cloth instead of dusting. Microfiber cloths can hang onto the dust without spreading it all over. If you do not have a microfiber cloth, a damp cotton cloth will do the trick. This way you can reduce the dust from spreading all over and triggering allergies.
Shampooing carpet
If you are shampoo your carpets, be sure to leave enough time to let them dry out thoroughly. If the carpet has moisture trapped in it, it can trigger an allergy. The best thing is to do away with carpets or rugs as they can trap dust.
Clean the shower
After using the shower, remember to clean the shower door and wipe it dry. Keeping the door dry helps in reducing the formation of mold and mildew, which is another critical element that triggers an allergy.
Bottom Line
If you suffer from allergies, best solution is to seek professional help for cleaning the house. If, however, you prefer to handle the job on your own, wearing a mask will help tremendously. This way you can reduce the inhalation of dust and other allergy-causing particles.