Allergies can be a big issue for us desert dwellers. From pollen to pet dander, there are plenty of things in the air that can make us keep the tissue box handy. But have you considered that your home is hindering your efforts to fight allergies? A clean home is a smart tool in your battle to combat allergy season. Here are some tips to keep your surroundings in tip-top shape so you’ll suffer less this allergy season.
Start with Dusting
Dust is comprised of dirt, skin cells, hair, and pet hair and dander. It settles on nearly everything in the home and definitely contributes to sneezing and itchy eyes. You should be dusting your home weekly to combat allergy season. Start from the top and work your way down. And when you’re looking at the top, remember the tops of ceiling fans, high cabinets, and that entertainment center.
While a feather duster may sound fun, the truth is that it just moves around the dust and doesn’t actually remove it. You need to use a cloth and (at a minimum) water, although some people prefer a cleaning agent. (Carnation Home Cleaning only uses green, people- and pet-friendly cleaners, including deionized water.) Spray the cloth or the surface and wipe up all of the dust.
What Goes Up Must Come Down
Once you’ve dusted all of the surfaces in your home, you’re going to make some of that dust swirl around and settle on your floors. Sweep, dust, or vacuum your hardwood floors weekly, followed by a thorough mop. A good choice for hardwood is a dry Swiffer, which captures the dust using microfiber cloth.
Your carpets are one of the largest air filters in your home. They effectively trap dust, dirt, and dander. However, you need to clean them regularly to help them filter better. Vacuum with a filter specifically designed to combat allergy season. Try a high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filter. And be sure to have those carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year.
Battling Dust Mites
Even in the most immaculate home, the one that’s dusted and vacuumed once a week or more, there can still be dust mites. These microscopic pests feed on the skin that we naturally shed every day. They live throughout our homes and are particularly drawn to bedding and furniture where we spend a lot of time (like the couch during super-hot summer days). They can also be in the carpet, drapes, and even stuffed animals.
Dust mite protectors for bedding are a perfect first defense for these pesky critters. Also, change your bedding weekly and wash it all in hot water, which kills the mites. Wash and dry stuffed animals and avoid storing them on the bed. And vacuum the mattress itself in the spring and fall when you do your big cleaning.
Keep the Outside Out
Much of the time, the weather in Phoenix is perfect for keeping windows and doors open. But this should not be a practice when you or your family members want to combat allergy season. Letting all of that dust and pollen in your home defeats all of the work you’ve done to keep it clean.
If you have serious allergies to pollen and grass, remove shoes before entering your home—or at least wipe them on matts near the doors. And consider wiping down pets when they come inside so they don’t carry in pollen.
Air filters help tremendously in keeping your home free from outside allergens. Put yourself on a schedule to change filters quarterly (or according to manufacturer recommendations). Look for filters that have a high MERV rating, which means a finer filter that doesn’t let as many particles into your home. Today’s homes are built “tight,” meaning there’s more opportunity for bad things to stay in the home. Filters help keep them out and combat allergy season.
Combat Allergy Season with a Cleaner Home
Don’t take chances with your health or the health of your family. Having your home professionally cleaned weekly will make a difference for everyone, during allergy season and throughout the year.
Carnation Home Cleaning is committed to your health, in addition to keeping everything clean. We start with deionized water. If additional cleaners are needed, we ensure they are green and not harmful to people, pets, or the environment. We can help you combat allergy season as your trusted house cleaner.
Contact us to get a quote and learn more.
