Spring is here, and that means it’s time to do some deep cleaning to welcome the new season! For allergy sufferers like myself, spring cleaning takes on extra importance. A good thorough cleaning can help reduce indoor allergens like dust mites, mold, and pet dander that tend to build up over the winter. Here’s how I go about allergy-proofing my home with some spring cleaning strategies:
Wash Bedding and Soft Furnishings
Bedding and soft furnishings like pillows, comforters, curtains, and upholstered furniture can harbor lots of dust mites and pet dander. I make sure to wash all my bedding in hot water and dry them on a hot cycle which helps kill dust mites. I also vacuum upholstered furniture and curtains before having them professionally cleaned. This cuts down on allergens in areas where I spend a lot of time.
Deep Clean Carpets and Rugs
Carpets and rugs trap tons of allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. To really get them clean, I rent a steam cleaner and go over all carpeting and rugs in my home. The hot steam helps sanitize them and lift out allergens from deep in the carpet fibers. If hiring professional carpet cleaners, be sure to ask for allergen-reducing treatments.
Dust and Disinfect All Surfaces
I go around my home with microfiber cloths and clean all surfaces like countertops, shelves, windowsills, and furniture. Microfiber cloths are great for trapping dust and allergens. I also use allergen-reducing disinfectants when cleaning hard surfaces in the kitchen, bathroom, etc. This cleans up any mold or bacteria that could be triggering allergies.
Clean Behind and Under Furniture
Allergens lurk in hard-to-reach spots so I make sure to move furniture away from walls and vacuum behind and under furniture. Baseboards, vents, ceiling fans and light fixtures are other spots that tend to collect dust over time so I make sure to wipe or vacuum them thoroughly.
Wash Walls and Ceilings
Pollen and dust adhere to walls and ceilings, so I do a quick wipe down to remove any allergens. For painted walls, I use a microfiber mop or cloth with just water. For wallpapered walls, I use a wallpaper cleaning solution applied with a sponge. This helps get rid of pollen, smoke and odors that may be trapped on walls.
Check for Mold and Mildew
Inspect under sinks, basements and bathrooms for any mold or mildew growth. I scrub down any problem areas with a non-toxic mold killing solution. Left untreated, mold spores can cause sinus congestion, coughing and wheezing for those with allergies.
Change AC/Heat Filters
I replace the filters in my central air conditioning and heating system which helps filter out dust, pollen and pet dander from the air. I use filters with a MERV rating of at least 11 which are efficient at trapping indoor allergens. Changing them regularly keeps my HVAC system running cleanly.
Declutter and Organize
Finally, I go through closets, pantries, the garage and other cluttered spaces and get rid of items I no longer need. Clutter tends to accumulate dust and allergens, so decluttering minimizes allergy triggers. I also vacuum and wipe down shelves in my pantry and appliances like the refrigerator.
With these spring cleaning strategies, I can breathe a little easier knowing my home is free of common allergy triggers. A clean home makes a big difference in controlling allergy symptoms during springtime when pollen and other allergens are at their peak.
