Home Cleaning Guide For People With Allergies

July 29, 2020

Having a nice, clean home should feel good, right? After all, breathing in that fresh scent of a newly cleaned home and seeing all those sparkling surfaces can draw out one of the most relieved sighs from anybody. Unfortunately, for people who have allergies or asthma, that huge sigh of relief might just come after a miserable bout of allergy attacks.

In addition to the dust and pollen outside, we also live with plenty of allergens inside our homes like dust mites, pet dander, molds, and insect droppings. And the act of cleaning can stir all these up and trigger those dreaded allergy symptoms.

So what’s your first line of defense against these triggers? The right schedule and the right equipment.

Regular weekly cleaning of your home is an important part of managing your allergies. If you have no choice but to do certain tasks yourself like dusting, protect yourself with a good mask. And if you’re already plagued with symptoms, better leave the cleaning to someone else or maybe even hire some professional help.

Anyhow, here’s a little guide to help you conquer cleaning your home free of any allergic reactions.

The Best Anti-Allergy Cleaning Tools

• Vacuum: Experts recommend using a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. If you don’t have one, use a double bag to trap as much dust and particles as possible. And if you have a bagless vacuum, remember to regularly clean and wash out the collection cup.
• Protective Masks and Gloves: Pass on the latex gloves and opt for cotton-lined rubber gloves instead to avoid irritation. Also, opt for disposable or washable masks.
• Disposable Dust Wipes: Dust clings to these synthetic dust wipes making it less likely for the dust to fly around or land on other surfaces.
• Washable Microfiber Cleaning Cloths and Mops: Microfiber cleaning materials attract and hold onto dust better than cotton or paper. They’re also washable. Before using them, dampen them up a little to attract the most dust.
• Unscented and Dye-Free Laundry Products: There have been studies that show that dye can often be a cause for skin irritation. Products with scents can also cause the same kind of irritation.

How To Clean Your Home If You Have Allergies

General Guidelines

• Prevent clutter and remove dust catchers from living spaces.
• Regularly bathe pets, wash their bedding regularly, and comb or brush them regularly to get rid of excess fur.
• Prevent pests and mice from entering your home.
• Use small-particle filters in heating and cooling systems and change them monthly.
• Control your indoor temperature and humidity to reduce the growth of mold spores.

Living Areas

• Always start cleaning from the top going down to the floor
• Dust light fixtures, ceiling fans, blinds, artificial plants, and any wooden furniture.
• Don’t forget to wipe down mantles, window sills, and other horizontal surfaces.
• If you have a carpet, vacuum it every other day to keep allergens from gathering.
• If you have plants, cover the soil with decorative marble or rocks to reduce or prevent the natural oils that can grow on the damp soil.

Bedroom

• Much like your living areas, start cleaning from the top working downwards.
• Dust any furniture using hand tools.
• Vacuum corners and spaces including under the bed and other furniture.
• Wash your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets at least once a week in hot water.
• Avoid hanging bedding outside to dry especially in pollen season.
• Fluff and clean pillows regularly.
• Keep closet doors closed to keep allergens from your clothes from getting into your room.
• Use plastic bins or any other storage box that doesn’t easily gather dust to store items.

Kitchen

• Regularly check the sink, refrigerator, and fridge for leaks and repair immediately.
• Clean out the refrigerator weekly and get rid of rotten or moldy food.
• Mop up spills immediately and wipe down door seals and drip pans.
• Wipe down and clean countertops and wash dishes at the end of the day daily.
• Use the vented exhaust fan to reduce moisture and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
• Empty trash frequently and make sure to have a lid on your garbage bins.

Bathroom

• Ventilate the room often.
• Use an exhaust fan when taking baths or showers.
• Wipe down the tub or shower enclosure after taking a bath to prevent moisture.
• Always check tub, sink, and toilet fixtures for leaks and repair them immediately.
• Don’t leave wet towels or clothes in the bathroom. Hang them out to dry between uses.
• To prevent mildew growth, wash shower curtains, rugs, and bathmats frequently.
• Remove mildew buildup using three parts water plus one part bleach. Use a stiff brush to scrub the areas. You can also use hydrogen peroxide, chlorine bleach, or a commercial mildew cleaner.