Whether it is a seasonal allergy, a perennial allergy, or simply a mild reaction that comes and goes, it can certainly make life harder. This is especially true if you can’t determine the source that is causing the allergic reaction. If you don’t already know what is causing your allergy, then you probably should test your house for dust, pollen, mold, or dander. These are generally the most common allergens and luckily, there are multiple ways to get rid of them. Cleaning is primarily the best way to get rid of allergens, but if you routinely do that and it doesn’t work, it’s probably because you’ve missed something. The following information will help you maintain an allergy-free home.
Allergy Symptoms
First, if you have an allergy, you’ll have at least one of these symptoms: coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, fever, and sometimes, dizziness. Exhibiting one of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you are severely allergic; however, if they persist, you will have to find ways to combat them and this usually starts with removing the allergens by cleaning your house. Check out these tips below and you will be rid of your allergy in no time.
Maintain Your HVAC System
Sometimes, your house might be filled with air particles that cause the harsh allergic reactions you experience and while you might have cleaned your house from corner to corner, you might still be exhibiting the same symptoms. This could be a strong indicator that allergens are coming from outside the house. This means a better strategy for managing allergies is required, such as keeping the door and windows closed. You need your HVAC system to purify the air inside the house, so shutting the doors and windows will help prevent any more pollutants from the air outside to pass on. You must also change the air conditioner filter regularly since a dirty filter will not purify the air properly. You must also make sure that dust is cleared away from the air conditioner ducts and the vents on the unit outside the house.
Keep the Bathroom as Dry as Possible
Humid air and moist places are practically playgrounds for spores and mold. Humid areas encourage mold to grow, which will then disperse particles in the air that can cause violent allergic reactions without you knowing, so to minimize the chances of growing mold or spores, always keep your bathroom door open to aerate the space and also use a microfiber towel to wipe the bathroom floors and walls after your shower. Don’t forget to draw the shower curtain back so the air can circulate that space properly. Cleaning behind the toilet is also important, so make sure you do it once a week to prevent any hair or dust from collecting there.
Vacuum Your Living Areas
Any living area in your house should be cleaned at least weekly. This includes regular vacuuming as many particles and dust as you could. You can start by dusting light fixtures and ceiling fans to allow dust to fall to the floor, then start cleaning all the blinds and curtains, as any contaminants coming from outside are probably going to stick to the fabric. You should also clean the window sills and any surface that can potentially collect dust. Wipe the dust from wooden furniture, then start vacuuming the floors and upholstery. You can wash your rugs and mop the floors afterward. If you’re looking for optimal results, try a fabric allergen sanitizer vacuum. This special appliance uses ultraviolet rays to clear dust, mites, and bacteria off of any surfaces. They also contain filtration systems that eliminate all pollutants from your home.
Wash the Beddings Once a Week
Don’t let the softness of the fabrics deceive you. Your bedsheets can be covered with a plethora of contaminants and if you have a pet that likes to sleep in the bed, your linens might already be littered with pet hair, human hair, mites, dust, and pollen. So, using fragrance-free detergent to wash your sheets once a week can reduce allergens. If washing the sheets once a week is a lot of work, you can vacuum it a couple of times, preferably two times a week to minimize pollutants. Along with this, you should wash the comforter and pillows once a month.
Be Picky When Choosing Laundry Products
If you’re an allergy sufferer, the products you’re using might be causing your allergy. That’s why you should read through the components of every laundry product before you buy it. For example, fragranced detergents can contain certain irritants that could be the source of your allergy, so one of the ingredients you should cross out as you browse for a new laundry product is synthetic fragrances. If a product is labeled as “hypoallergenic”, then this means it contains few ingredients that can set off an allergic reaction, so it’s definitely a plus. Some chemicals like ammonia, formaldehyde, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium hypochlorite, and d-limonene are not allergens per se, but they might still induce the same effect, so it’s best to avoid products that include these chemicals and opt for cleaners that contain natural products.
Kitchen Maintenance
Like the bathroom, your kitchen is a perfect spot for mold, spores, and even insects to fester. To prevent this from happening, you need to reduce moisture in your kitchen. A vented exhaust fan will be a great appliance to get rid of excess moisture. If there are any leaks around the sink, refrigerator, or freezer you must fix them as soon as possible before the flow of water can get out of control. Always maintain surfaces in a clean state and don’t leave any food overnight to prevent cockroaches from infesting your kitchen. Mop the floor regularly and clean all drawers and cabinets at least four times a year.
With this knowledge in mind, you can now fight off allergens effectively and maintain clean and breathable air inside your house. Make sure that you do these steps regularly and remember to protect yourself while you’re cleaning the house. Using gloves and masks while cleaning will prevent further allergy flare-ups during this process.
