For those of us with allergies, the symptoms can really put a damper on your day: running nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, scratchy throat etc. Did you know that oftentimes your home is likely to be worse on your allergies than being outdoors?!
That’s why it is so important to keep your home thoroughly clean and free of mites, dirt, dander and other allergens. Use the following 16 steps below to breathe fresh air in your home and keep those pesky symptoms at bay.
- Cover mattress + pillows
- Invest in protection from dust mites with hypoallergenic mattress and pillow covers. You spend 1/3 of your time in bed and preventing allergens here will help dramatically. Be sure to encase the box springs as well.
- Remove carpet + padding
- If your budget allows, remove as much carpeting from your home as possible. They are notoriously difficult to keep clean and harbor allergens. Walking on carpet helps the dust, pet dander etc. to reemerge into the air and fill your home.
- Can’t afford to remove carpeting? See steps #3 and #4.
- Vacuum Clean with HEPA Filter
- Keeping carpet in your home? At the very least remember to vacuum regularly and be sure your cleaner is equipped with a HEPA filter. These are designed to capture tiny particles including allergens and trap them for removal. If you have pets vacuum floors and furniture more frequently to pull out dander.
- Steam Clean
- Instead of shampooing your carpeting and rugs, find a professional steam cleaning company to get your carpet truly clean. Carpet shampooers do not typically get hot enough to really get rid of allergens in your rugs.
- No Shoes Policy + Doormats
- Simple action you can take today? Enact a no shoes policy upon entering the home! If you think about all the bacteria, dirt and other things your shoes pick up throughout the day it is rather gross to bring them into your home… especially if you have young ones crawling on the floor. Buy two attractive doormats for inside/outside your door to catch all debris and provide slippers for guests if desired.
- Blinds, Not Drapes
- Heavy drapes and curtains hold onto dust and allergens like a magnet. Ditch the drapes and replace with blinds or curtains that can be easily washed on a regular basis in hot water.
- Clean Bathroom to Prevent Mold
- Your bathroom can be a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew with the excess moisture. Clean your bathroom surfaces, tubs, showers, sinks and toilets regularly. Dry any steam to prevent growth as well and remember to recaulk sinks and tubs every few years so mold does not grow behind walls.
- Check Under Sinks
- Do not forget to check pipes for leaks carefully. Check under the sink for signs of any leakage which can lead to mold growth. Keep this area tidy and clean.
- Humidity Testing
- Which rooms of your home require a dehumidifier? A simple tool: hygrometer can help you determine where to place them as it measures the humidity in each room. If it measures over 60% it might be a good idea to add a dehumidifier.
- Room Air Filter
- Want to take extra steps to filter the air you breathe within your home? Research and invest in a room air filter than can help clean things up. They will help remove any airborne allergens and can be especially helpful for those with seasonal allergies (i.e. sensitive to pollen). Remember to use a HEPA filter.
- Wash Bedding + Linens in Hot Water
- Keep your sleeping area as clean as possible and wash all of your bedding at least weekly in hot water. Be sure to wash all towels and linens in the same way and dry on the hottest setting available. This will not only keep your sheets free of accumulated oils and dirt, but other allergens such as dust.
- Be Careful with Food
- To help eliminate the possiblity of bugs and other pests joining your home, be sure to watch food and drink messes. Keep all food in airtight containers, limit eating to certain rooms of the home and clean surfaces and floors regularly. Mice and bugs leave behind droppings and other particles that irritate allergies.
- Wet Clean Floors + Surfaces
- Dusting surfaces and dry sweeping floors will remove large debris, but this simply pushes around dust into the air. Wipe down counters and surfaces with damp cloths and wet wash floors to truly remove any dirt and dust from your environment.
- Groom Pet
- Pets are part of your family as well, but for many allergy-sufferers they can really flare up symptoms. Aside from stepping up your homecleaning routine, make sure your pet is bathed, brushed and groomed often. As with your human visitors, wipe off pet paws if they are dirty before tracking it into your home.
- Use Green Cleaners
- Harsh chemicals are not only hard on the environment, but they are unsafe for your family and pets. There are many lines of all-natural cleaners available for purchase that will put your mind at ease when cleaning. Check out brands such as Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, Method or see our blog post on DIY natural cleaners.
- Open Up Windows
- Fresh air is good for your body and home! When the weather permits, open up windows and allow sunlight and clean air to circulate in your home.
Your home should be a place that is clean, happy and restful. If your environment is aggravating your allergies there are some simple steps you can take today to help!
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