Blog post has been reviewed by a Cleaning Technician
Allergies are caused by our bodies reacting to foreign entities that are interpreted as some kind of invader. Allergens are commonly found almost everywhere, causing everything from sniffles to hives from triggers like pollen and dust. Springtime can be particularly difficult for people who suffer from these reactions.
Often, your home can be a safe place free of annoying symptoms. Sometimes, however, allergens can linger on surfaces and furniture. Depending on how often and thoroughly you clean your space, you might be experiencing a runny nose or itchy eyes. Here are some simple steps you can take to help reduce the possibility of these irritants in your home.
Mask-Up When Cleaning
If left undisturbed, you might not know the number of allergens in your home, which are waiting to cause you any combination of uncomfortable symptoms. Cleaning regularly ensures that you get rid of these problems, and wearing a mask can help protect you from inhaling particles swirling around in the air. Consider leaving the house for a few hours once the job is done to allow time for the airborne particulates to settle. You may also consider expert residential cleaning services, such as the ones available through UrbanMop, to reduce your need for these kinds of chores altogether.
Enhance Your Vacuuming Efforts
One of the most effective ways to reduce allergens is to vacuum regularly. This will help cut down on dust and other particles that linger in corners and on floors. Aim to do this chore at least twice a week, perhaps more if you have pets. Ensure you take extra care to go over the entryway inside and outside of your front and back doors, especially if there are plenty of shoes left on the floor. You may also want to consider investing in a HEPA vacuum. It will catch almost all allergens as the multi-layer design traps microscopic particles with ease.
Improve Your Laundry Routine
As a general precaution, refrain from using overly scented detergents that could cause allergic reactions. Once a week, wash your bedding in hot water that is a minimum of 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This will kill dust mites, which could otherwise keep you up at night sneezing. If you have a child with stuffed animals, wash them the same way. When it comes time to dry your items, use the dryer, as hang-drying can attract mould spores and pollen.
Remove Non-Washable Home Decor
Allergens readily hide in soft surfaces that they can easily attach themselves to. Consider only washable decor items, such as pillow covers, rugs, and curtains, so you can clean them regularly. On windows, you could switch to roller shades if you want to avoid coverings that you have to wash but still want to reduce dust.
Take Charge to Clear Clutter
Boxes, clothes, and other cluttering items can slowly collect dust the longer they stay in place. Try putting things away once you are done with them, or using container storage options to tuck them away neatly. The fewer places allergens have to hide, the easier they will be to control.
If you face problems because of frequent allergic reactions in your home with unknown causes, you are not alone. These pesky particulates can linger in the air and on surfaces that can be difficult to manage. That said, are you interested in finding out more about how to eliminate allergens in your home? Working with experienced, professional cleaners can transform your routine and the number of tissues you go through. At UrbanMop, we are passionate about ensuring our clients’ homes are clean and sanitized. We can reduce your chore load, allowing you to relax in a spotless space. Contact us for more information or assistance!