Sneezing? Sniffling? Have an itchy throat? Allergies are such a pain, and they can really lower your quality of life. There are several categories of these irritants, and some can only be managed with medication; however, you can manage some allergies you get from home with simple cleaning strategies. Let's explore some effective cleaning tips to reduce allergens in your home and alleviate symptoms.

Common Allergens

Allergens come in various forms, and recognizing these culprits is the first step towards allergy management. Here are some common substances and items that could be damaging your health:

• Pet Dander
• Dust Mites
• Mold Spores
• Pollen
• Carpet
• Chemicals
• Smoke
• Bedding and Pillows
• Mattresses
• Soft Furniture
• Stuffed Animals
• Humidity
• Cockroaches
• Indoor Plants

Cleaning Tips to Reduce Allergens

Now, let's explore a range of effective cleaning tips and strategies to battle these allergens. These measures will help improve indoor air quality and relieve the discomfort of allergy symptoms, allowing you to breathe easier.

1. Clean High to Low

Cleaning high to low is a fundamental strategy when cleaning your home. This approach involves starting your cleaning routine from the highest points in a room, like ceiling fans and wall decor, and gradually working your way down to tables, furniture, and the floor. This technique prevents irritants from resettling on surfaces you've already cleaned. When you begin with dusting shelves, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and other high surfaces, you remove dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other substances that build up. When implementing the "high to low" cleaning system, it is essential to wear a mask to prevent foreign substances from entering your body and causing the sniffles. Using this cleaning method, you can significantly reduce allergens in your living spaces and create a healthier environment for you and your family.

2. Dust and Vacuum 1-2 Times a Week

Dusting and vacuuming consistently helps prevent allergens in your home. We suggest you dust and vacuum at least one to two times a week for the best results. Dusting surfaces not only enhances the shine of your home but also eliminates breeding grounds. Vacuuming ensures irritants are sucked up from carpets, rugs, and upholstery, preventing them from circulating in the air you breathe. 

3. Minimize Clutter

Clutter can provide hiding spots for dust, pet dander, and other irritants, making it more challenging to effectively clean and maintain a healthy living environment. Piles of books, stacks of magazines, or excess clothing create the perfect place for allergens to live. By decluttering and reducing unnecessary items, you minimize the potential hiding spots. Accessing and cleaning surfaces and dust collection areas is more manageable with less clutter. 

4. Avoid Scented Cleaning Products

While scented cleaning products may leave your living space smelling fresh, they often contain chemicals and artificial fragrances that can trigger allergic reactions and irritate the respiratory system. Instead, try using unscented or hypoallergenic cleaning products to help reduce these symptoms. This small change to your cleaning routine can significantly promote better indoor air quality and allergy relief.

5. Replace Air Filters Every 3-6 Months

One of the most important yet often overlooked strategies for a healthier home is regularly replacing air filters. You should replace the air filters in your home at least every 3-6 months. The HVAC system's air filter plays a significant role in capturing and trapping airborne irritants, preventing them from circulating throughout your living spaces. Over time, these filters can become clogged with allergens, decreasing their effectiveness. 

Allergies can be annoying, but there are effective ways to reduce the build-up of irritants in your home. Cleaning high to low while wearing a mask, consistent dusting and vacuuming, minimizing clutter, avoiding scented cleaning products, and routine air filter replacement are all key steps. By implementing these effective cleaning tips to reduce allergens, you can create a healthier living environment and experience relief from bothersome symptoms. If you need help creating a healthier home environment, contact us today for a free residential cleaning quote!

Sources:

‍https://familyallergy.com/allergies/10-cleaning-tips-for-your-allergies/
https://aafa.org/allergies/prevent-allergies/control-indoor-allergens/