The arrival of spring brings blooming flowers, warmer weather, and unfortunately, seasonal allergies. As plants start releasing pollen into the air, I find myself sneezing and dealing with itchy eyes and a runny nose. While I can take allergy medication to manage symptoms, I’ve found that spring cleaning my home thoroughly helps reduce allergens and provides some relief. Here’s how I tackle spring cleaning each year to minimize indoor dust and irritants that exacerbate seasonal allergies.
Deep Cleaning Carpets and Upholstery
Carpets and upholstered furniture harbor dust and allergens like pollen that gets tracked indoors. Giving them a deep clean before allergy season starts helps eliminate irritants lurking in the fibers.
I rent a carpet cleaning machine and use a high quality carpet shampoo. The hot water extraction method lifts dirt and allergens up and out. I make sure to wash all wall-to-wall carpeting and area rugs.
For upholstery, I use the brush attachment and upholstery cleaner solution on the machine. Vacuuming alone doesn’t remove allergens embedded in the cushions and fabric. Extraction cleaning helps pull out those microscopic particles that would otherwise become airborne and cause issues.
Washing Bedding and Curtains
Since I spend a lot of time in bed, keeping bed linens clean is imperative. I strip the bed and wash the sheets, mattress pad, duvet cover, and pillowcases in hot water to kill dust mites. For blankets and comforters, I take them to a laundromat for large capacity washing and drying.
Similarly, curtains accumulate dust and need laundering or dry cleaning. I take down the drapes and either machine wash them if possible or drop them off at the dry cleaners. Reducing dust on bedding and curtains minimizes irritation when sleeping or lounging in the room.
Disinfecting with Vinegar
While cleaning removes surface dirt, disinfecting kills germs and bacteria that also provoke allergy symptoms. I like to use white distilled vinegar as a natural disinfectant. It’s effective at removing grime and sanitizing without leaving harsh chemical residue.
I fill a spray bottle with 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar. Then I’ll spray countertops, appliances, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, and other high touch areas. Letting it sit briefly before wiping down allows the vinegar to work its disinfecting magic. It keeps areas prone to mold and mildew growth cleaner.
Dehumidifying to Lessen Mold and Mildew
Excess moisture in the home enables mold and mildew growth, both common indoor allergy triggers. I try to keep the relative humidity around 50% or less by running a dehumidifier in problem areas. The basement and bathrooms tend to become damp.
I empty and clean the dehumidifier reservoir regularly. Keeping humidity under control discourages biological allergens like mold spores and dust mites from multiplying. I also check for any water leaks or drainage issues that could lead to mold development and schedule repairs.
Deep Cleaning the HVAC System
The HVAC system circulates allergens throughout the entire house. Changing furnace filters monthly helps remove some dust and particulates. However, deeper cleaning the air ducts removes built up debris that regular filter replacement cannot.
I schedule a professional air duct cleaning service to come out before allergy season starts. Using specialized tools, they dislodge stubborn dirt, dust and pet dander stuck inside the ventilation system. Many companies also spray an antimicrobial treatment to prevent microbial growth inside the ductwork.
Removing Clutter and Vacuuming Thoroughly
Clutter collects dust, so I go through closets, storage areas, and rooms to remove items I don’t use often. Donating or selling unneeded possessions eliminates surfaces for allergens to settle on. I also rearrange furniture which allows me to vacuum under and behind them more easily.
I use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap allergens during cleaning. Slowly going over floors ensures I cover every area thoroughly. I also vacuum upholstered furniture, drapes, ceiling fans and vents where dust gathers. Frequently emptying the canister prevents releasing the allergens back out.
Switching to Allergy-Friendly Bedding
Traditional bedding like feather pillows and down comforters contain allergens that can be irritating. I opt for allergy-friendly bedding made from hypoallergenic synthetic materials.
Microfiber pillowcases don’t trap allergens like cotton cases. Synthetic pillow fillings are better alternatives to feather or down pillows. Cotton, wool, or microfiber comforters and blankets are preferable to down. I always check the label to verify bedding is made from non-allergenic fabrics. The investment helps me sleep better through allergy season.
Removing Leaves and Cutting Back Shrubbery Outside
To reduce the amount of pollen coming inside, I make sure leaves and debris are regularly swept from sidewalks, porches, patios, and driveways. Gathering up leaves in a timely manner with a mask on keeps them from blowing back in and releasing pollen into the air.
Trimming back any shrubbery or branches touching the house is also smart. Cutting overgrown foliage prevents it from enabling pollen to work its way indoors or harbor nesting insects. I prune plants and clean up vegetation debris before it has a chance to aggravate allergies.
Staying on top of spring cleaning helps minimize dust, allergens, and irritants within my home environment as the seasons change. Implementing a thorough cleaning routine each year provides relief from seasonal allergy symptoms without relying solely on medication. A little effort goes a long way towards letting me breathe freely indoors and enjoy spring comfortably.
