This article comes from Angie’s List.
Spring Cleaning Tips to Alleviate Allergies
Clean surfaces bring relief from allergies, but cleaning itself can release allergens. Here’s how to overcome the spring-cleaning dilemma.
1. Get to the root of the problem
Know your allergy triggers and limits.
Ear, nose, and throat surgeon and board-certified otolaryngologist Maureen Mulcahy of Lake Grove ENT in Lake Oswego, Oregon, advises patients to get tested to identify specific allergens. “Then they can have a more targeted approach to cleaning,” she says.
2. Spring for HEPA filters
Make a clean sweep with a vacuum that contains a HEPA filter.
Preferably, someone who doesn’t suffer from allergies should take on the chore of vacuuming.
But if it can’t be avoided, Mulcahy recommends you wear a mask. Wearing goggles can also help.
3. Seek out sources of water
Any freestanding water in the home presents a mold hazard.
“Spring cleaning is a good time to look at any potential water source in your house,” Mulcahy says. “If you have a leaky faucet or pipes that need better sealing, take care of that.”
4. Open the windows (or shut them tight)
During allergy season, sufferers have inflamed mucous membranes. Mulcahy recommends ventilation if you’re cleaning with any harsh chemicals.
However, Michele Oswald, owner of Extra Step Cleaning in Ballwin, Missouri, says that if outside allergens, such as pollen or ragweed, are your triggers, you might want to keep the windows shut.
5. Avoid odors
Fragrance-free cleaning products can help you avoid exacerbating allergy symptoms.
Using green cleaning products and avoiding bleach can also help make cleaning easier for allergy sufferers.
But once again, it depends on your particular allergy. If you need to kill allergens, especially mold, Oswald says hydrogen peroxide acts as a natural bleach that won’t assault your senses.
6. Trap dust — don’t release it
Instead of feather dusters that spread dust around, use something that can capture the dust, like a damp microfiber cloth.
7. Clean efficiently
Clean and dust from top to bottom, left to right, and inside to outside.
This eliminates unnecessary work and reduces your exposure to things that might trigger your allergies.
8. Don’t ignore your bedroom
Oswald says consumers often instruct cleaners to skip their bedrooms because no one will see them.
However, Oswald and Mulcahy agree that the bedroom is the most important place to keep clean since you spend most of your time there.
“You’re in there for eight hours every night,” Oswald says. “Make your room your sanctuary.”
9. Call in reinforcements
Sometimes it might be best to hire highly rated house cleaning services to get your house in tiptop shape.
Mulcahy says to communicate openly with the cleaner, so they understand you’re targeting specific problem areas. Oswald prefers clients tell her about any allergy issues, including sensitivity to chemicals.
You can hire a house cleaner to do it all, or just for help in those allergen-ridden locations.
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If you’re looking to call in a little backup, Spring is the perfect time to freshen up your carpets! Contact us today at J and R’s Carpet Cleaning to schedule your appointment.