Spring is a beautiful time of year, but for many people it also brings misery in the form of seasonal allergies. As trees, grasses and weeds come back to life, they release billions of tiny pollen grains into the air. When inhaled, these pollen particles can cause sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and other bothersome allergy symptoms.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize indoor allergens and reduce allergy suffering. Thorough home cleaning is one of the most effective ways to accomplish this. Here’s how to tackle spring cleaning with allergies in mind:
Deep Clean Your Home
A deep clean clears away dust, dander and other allergens that have accumulated over the winter.
Target Fabrics
Fabric-covered furniture and carpeting tend to trap allergens. Vacuum upholstery thoroughly, using a vacuum with a HEPA filter if possible. Steam clean carpets and rugs to remove embedded allergens. Wash bedding, curtains, pillows and other fabric items in hot water.
Dust and Disinfect
Use a microfiber cloth to remove dust from hard surfaces like window sills, ceiling fans and door frames. Disinfect countertops and other high-touch areas with an allergen-fighting cleaner.
Pay Special Attention to the Bedroom
Since we spend so much time in the bedroom, it merits extra care. Wash bedding weekly in hot water to remove dust mites. Vacuum and dust thoroughly each week. If possible, install hypoallergenic covers over mattresses, pillows and box springs to keep out dust mites.
Control Moisture and Ventilate
Moisture contributes to mold growth, another common allergen. After bathing or showering, use fans to eliminate excess moisture. Make sure clothes dryers are vented outside. Run kitchen and bathroom fans when cooking and bathing to remove moisture.
Proper ventilation also reduces indoor allergens like pollen and dust. Open windows regularly on dry days. Make sure furnace and AC filters are clean. Change them as often as recommended.
Limit Clutter and Keep pets Out
Clutter provides more surfaces for dust and allergens to collect. Get rid of unnecessary stuff and keep surfaces clear. Store seldom-used items in closed bins.
Pets shed dander, hair and other allergens. If possible, keep pets out of bedrooms to avoid exposure during sleep. Bathe pets weekly and brush them outside to remove allergens.
Clean Green
Many conventional cleaners contain harsh chemicals that worsen allergy symptoms. Opt for gentler, green cleaning products whenever possible. Also, consider getting a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove allergens circulating in the air.
Other Tips for Allergy Relief
In addition to home cleaning, a few other strategies can reduce allergy suffering:
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Keep windows closed during high pollen times, typically early morning and early evening.
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Rinse hair and skin after being outdoors to remove pollen.
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Limit time outdoors when pollen counts are high.
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Avoid hanging laundry out to dry during peak pollen times.
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Ask your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications that may help.
With thorough cleaning and other allergy avoidance steps, you can breathe a little easier this spring. A cleaner home means fewer allergy attacks, less medication use and an overall better quality of life.
