This article comes from The Spruce.
Cleaning Tips for Anyone With Allergies
Whether you or someone in your home suffers seasonally from allergies or asthma, there are ways you can reduce the misery by cleaning correctly to remove allergens.
Regular weekly cleaning of your home is an important part of an allergy management plan. Even the act of cleaning–especially if it hasn’t been done in quite awhile–can trigger allergy symptoms as dust and other allergens are stirred up. If cleaning has been neglected for several weeks, wearing a protective mask is a good habit. Use the proper tools and cleaning products to trap allergens and prevent exposure to chemicals that might cause allergic reactions.
1. Reduce Allergens in the Entire House
Control indoor temperature and humidity. Dust mites and mold spores like heat and humidity. By maintaining a temperature between 68˚F (20˚C) and 72˚F (22˚C) and a humidity level of no more than 50 percent you can reduce their growth.
2. Bedroom
Start with the bed and bedding. Sheets, pillowcases, and blankets should be washed at least once a week in hot water. If you have allergies, never hang bedding outside to dry. The outdoor pollens will come in with the sheets. Choose washable bedspreads or comforters and encase pillows, mattresses, and box springs in dust mite-proof cases. Pillows should be cleaned regularly.
Clean the bedroom weekly, starting at the top and working down. Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures. Dust blinds and/or wash curtains. Dust any furniture and using the hand tools, vacuum upholstered furniture. Finally, vacuum the floor including the spaces under the bed and furniture. For the fewest allergens, remove wall-to-wall carpeting and use hardwood or solid tile flooring and washable area rugs in the bedroom.
3. Bathroom
The most dangerous allergens in bathrooms are mold and mildew.6 You can halt and remove mildew growth with chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or a commercial mildew cleaner. Always read directions carefully and NEVER mix different chemicals.
To remove mildew build-up, mix a solution of three parts water to one part bleach. Wearing rubber gloves and ventilating the area well, use a stiff brush to scrub the affected areas. For tight corners, saturate paper towels with the bleach/water solution and apply the towels to the mold. Allow them to remain in place for ten to 15 minutes and then scrub and rinse.
To prevent additional mildew growth, install and use an exhaust fan when taking baths or showers. After every use, towel-dry the tub or shower enclosure. Check the tub, showerhead, sink, and toilet fixtures frequently for leaks and repair immediately.
4. Living Areas
Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures. Then dust blinds and wash or vacuum drapes using the hand tools. Don’t forget to clean window sills and mantles or any horizontal surface. Clean away any ashes or residue in fireplaces.
Wipe down wooden furniture to remove dust and vacuum upholstery. Finally, vacuum the carpet or damp mop floors. Wash any throw rugs.
Living areas should be cleaned at least weekly and it is best to vacuum carpet every other day.
If you have plants, cover the soil with decorative rocks or marbles to help contain the natural molds that can grow in damp soil. Artificial plants should be dusted weekly and periodically given a shower to remove dust.
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Don’t forget to schedule your seasonal maintenance with J & R’s Carpet Cleaning! Proper cleaning and care of your carpets, drapes, upholstery, and floors is an important part of keeping allergies at bay.