Those with allergies also know that allergies don’t just flare up when they are outside. Indoor allergens, such as dust, dander and mold can be just as intense as outdoor allergy triggers like pollen. Regular housecleaning in all seasons can get rid of allergy triggers and help relieve your symptoms. The following cleaning tips will help ensure you remove allergens from the places you never knew they could be hiding.
Start Outside
In order to keep the inside of your home free from dirt, dust and pollen, you have to clean the outside. Preventing allergens from entering the house requires a few small tasks, such as keeping the driveway, porches, walkways, decks and patios swept clean. It also is recommended that you clean the windows, inside and outside, at the start of spring or summer to remove any dust and dirt that has built up over the winter. Small particles of debris and insects tend to collect in screens, so when cleaning the windows, don’t forget to give the screens a good scrubbing too.
Change Furnace Filters
The air filters used with your heating and air conditioning system are great for catching the dust and dirt, but when they get caked with debris, then all of the air coming into your home passes through the filter and brings the allergens with it. Make sure to replace filters at least once every three months to minimize allergens in your home. When buying furnace filters, choose those with a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating that is no lower than 8. Ratings vary from 1-16 and the higher the rating, the better the filter works.
Clear The Clutter
If your home is cluttered, not only is it difficult to keep clean, but your stuff can become dust trappers. Think books, knick-knacks, magazines and boxes. The more items you remove, the fewer places there will be for the dust to collect, which means fewer dust mites. If clearing the clutter feels overwhelming, consider starting in small areas, such as bookshelves, and working your way through the house until each area is clutter free. If you are unable to remove the clutter on your own, it might be a good idea to contact a home cleaning company to give you a hand.
Furniture and Carpet Cleaning
One of the most notorious allergens found indoors is dust mites and they tend to become embedded in carpeting and furniture. To keep dust mites at bay, consider using a protective covering for mattresses, vacuum the mattresses at least once each month and make sure to thoroughly vacuum all furniture at least once per week. The carpeting is one of the worst places for mold, dust, debris and other allergens to hide. It is highly recommended that you have the carpets professionally cleaned at least twice each year to eliminate allergic reactions.
A weekly cleaning routine should include vacuuming the carpet and damp-mopping wood or tile flooring. Each week you should also clean surfaces, such as windowsills and the tops of doors. Remember, a dry dust cloth will only spread the dust, not remove it. When dusting, use a cloth that is damp with either water or furniture polish. Use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) and change the bag/empty the canister after each use.
Contact us to schedule carpet cleaning or to learn how Chet’s Cleaning Inc. can help reduce the allergens in your home.