Cleaning Tips for Anyone with Allergies – what could you do differently?
Top House Cleaning Tips for Anyone with Allergies
Cleaning Tips for Anyone with Allergies
Spring is coming, meaning we’re finally leaving the shorter daylight hours and bad weather behind us. But, while this new season is usually lighter and warmer than winter, it also brings out allergies.
If you or someone you live with suffers with allergies, you’ll know that this is the time of year when things can get worse. For instance, those who have hay fever triggered by tree pollen could be feeling the familiar symptoms from March, while those affected by weed pollen might have to wait until September for it to pass.
While allergic reactions such as hay fever can leave you not wanting to open a window, you might find that letting allergens such as pollen, dust and mould pile up in your home can have a negative impact too. To get rid of allergens around the house, here are some cleaning tips that make a difference.
Set a schedule
Keeping on top of allergens that trigger a reaction is key to reducing their effects. To do this, start by planning out a cleaning schedule. This will help you to focus on different areas of the house so that you can do each room in stages.
Set aside dedicated time to clean these areas throughout the week, too. This will help avoid having to face a huge clean up at the weekend, which can stir up a week’s worth of allergens and trigger a sneezing fit.
Be prepared
If it helps, it might be worth wearing a mask and gloves to clean. Masks can prevent dust particles flying up into your face where you can breathe them in, while gloves protect your hands and are ideal for protecting yourself from breathing in anything your hands come into contact with.
Vacuum and sweep regularly
If you’ve been suffering with allergies for a while, it’s likely you’ll already have a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. These filters trap harmful pollen particles, dust mites, and other particles that you might be allergic to. Vacuum at least twice a week and if you have deep pile carpets and rugs, take extra care to do a thorough clean.
As well as vacuuming, sweeping regularly is a great way to clear away any debris. Have a dustpan and brush to hand too so that you can easily pop dirt and fluff into he bin.
Dust surfaces
Keep on top of dusting surfaces around the home. Wipe down tables and shelves throughout the week and focus on skirting rails and tops of wardrobes at weekends. By setting aside the time to focus on dusting key areas, you’re able to keep on top of anything that could trigger an allergic reaction.
Use a microfibre cloth to do this as it is specially designed to grab dust particles. This means that you’re able to a thorough job with one sweep of the cloth.
Cleaning Tips for Anyone with Allergies – Keep on top of washing
Common allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet hair easily gather on bedding, so try to wash your sheets and duvet cover once a week. This will clear the bedding of anything sitting on the surface and will help you breathe better during the night.
Also, think about the washing products you use. If your skin is easily irritated, look for dye-free, unscented detergents that are less likely to cause a rash.
Clean the bathroom and kitchen
The bathroom and kitchen are the spaces that are most prone to moisture. Keeping dampness to a minimum will reduce the spread of mould. Mould is a known allergen and can cause itchy eyes, eczema, and breathing problems.
Open windows and doors in your kitchen and bathroom to allow condensation to leave the space and regularly check extractor fans in both the kitchen and bathroom. Also, be sure to thoroughly clean the bathroom once a week and wipe down walls and surfaces after every bath or shower.
By getting into a routine now, you’ll find that you significantly reduce the number of allergens around the home before hay fever season gets into full swing.