Your home is supposed to be a sanctuary, but if it’s a cause of allergic symptoms it becomes a source of discomfort. Maintaining daily housekeeping chores will eliminate dust, pet dander, pollen, mold, and other undesirable housemates. Keep your house clean to diminish allergy symptoms and use the right products to avoid further irritation.
While the person in the household suffering from allergies should avoid extensive cleaning, this isn’t always a reality. Contacting a green cleaning company, particularly if your house needs a deep clean or you can’t keep up with the maintenance, can be an enormous help. Times when you have to go it alone, you will want to:
- Wear a dust mask and plastic gloves. Shower after the job and wash the clothes you wore in hot water.
- Use a damp microfiber cloth to catch dust before it starts circulating in the room.
- Invest in a vacuum with a High Efficiency Particulate Air Filtration System, or HEPA. Unlike standard vacuums, one with a HEPA filter will catch airborne allergens, such as dust mites, and will not re-release them into the air. Vacuum regularly and wash area rugs. It’s also helpful to have your carpet shampooed occasionally. When vacuuming pay attention to corners and move furniture.
- Allergy-proof pillows, mattresses, and box spring with dust mite-proof covers. A washable mattress will protect you even further.
- Wash bed linens at least once per week in hot water.
- Clean curtains, blinds, and shades. During allergy season keep the windows closed and use air conditioning. Wipe any condensation and mold from the window sills.
- Dust and clean furniture, such as bookshelves, dressers, and tables.
- De-clutter frequently. Store items, like children’s toys, in plastic containers.
- Immediately wash your dishes after each use. Don’t overlook the sink, garbage disposal, and faucets either. This will prevent mold.
- Wipe down your refrigerator and throw away old food. See our post for tips on cleaning your refrigerator.
- Put trash in a can with an insect-proof lid and take it out daily. Disinfect that trash can.
- Don’t allow clutter to accumulate on kitchen countertops. disinfect counters and cabinets with equal parts distilled white vinegar and water to avoid irritation. Add lemon if you’d like to neutralize the smell. Move appliances and empty the toaster pan to banish crumbs. Also, clean out your oven drip pan regularly.
- Store plastic bags and food in sealed plastic containers.
- Use a towel to dry the shower after each use. Regularly scrub the shower, faucets, sinks, toilets, and tubs with green cleaning products. Wash shower curtains, rugs, and bath linens in hot water frequently.
- For areas such as the basement, repair leaks and water damage. Store all items in sealed containers.
Now that you have the basics for allergy-proofing your residence, keep in mind that many conventional cleaning products contain irritants. Avoid anything that lists the following ingredients:
- Formaldehyde
- Ammonia
- Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)
- Chlorine bleach
- Sodium lauryl sulphate
- D-limonene
- Butyl cellosolve
- Sodium hypochlorite
- Naptha
- Fragrances
- Sulfuric acid
- Lye
- Phosphates
- Hydrochloric acid
- Triethanolamine (TEA)
Remember, if you’re ever in doubt about a product, call the manufacturer. Making homemade green cleaning products (all labeled) is the best route. Follow this guide for a cleaner, safer, and allergy-proof home.