We all know that allergy season is upon us. While there are plenty of allergens outside that can trigger allergies, there are also things inside the house that can make your eyes water and have you sneezing uncontrollably. If you suffer from allergies, there are things you can do inside the house to reduce your symptoms. Here are five tips for allergy sufferers to get allergy relief and to keep those sneezes and itchy, water eyes at bay.
Reduce Dust Mites
Dust mites can become enemy number one for allergy sufferers. That’s why it’s important to dust your house regularly. Keeping surfaces and floors clean can reduce the number of dust mites, which will, in turn, help you deal with your allergies. When you dust, wear a mask so that the dust particles that get in the air don’t make your allergies worse. The idea is to clean to reduce allergies, not flair them up.
Also, cleaning with a damp cloth can help prevent dust particles from going into the air and causing allergies. If you use any damp clothes, just be sure that everything is dried well. You don’t want to leave surfaces wet because that could make mold grow.
While you’re cleaning, reduce clutter, and any items that collect dust. Keeping these in cabinets or bins will not only make your house look neater, but also reduce the number of dust mites.
If you have hardwood floors this is usually better than having wall-to-wall carpet. But, if you do have carpet, it’s important to vacuum once or twice a week. This helps to minimize allergens. If you have throw rugs, put them in the washing machine regularly, and opt for low-pile carpets.
Reduce Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew love damp areas like basements and bathrooms. Many people are unaware that mold spores can be airborne just like dust mites and pollen. This can trigger allergy symptoms.
To keep mold and mildew at bay, put the exhaust fan on after taking a shower or bath. You can also towel-dry the shower or tub to reduce mold and mildew. Some people also replace wallpaper with either tile or paint.
When you notice mold in your bathroom, scrub it away from tiles and surfaces. If you see some on a shower curtain, replace it.
Any moldy carpet in the basement or anywhere else in your home should be replaced. Any mold or mildew on basement walls should also be cleaned off. You can also run a dehumidifier to get rid of dampness in the basement.
Change Sheets Weekly
Since you spend a lot of time in your bedroom when you sleep, it’s important to reduce allergens in this room. You can start by making sure you wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets once a week in warm water. This will keep all your bedding clean and reduce allergens.
You can also put pillows and mattresses in dust-mite-proof covers. This can also help provide allergy relief inside your home.
Check your window treatments in your bedroom as well. If you suffer from allergies, you should use washable curtains made of plain cotton or synthetic fabric. If possible, replace horizontal blinds with washable roller-type shades.
Choose Environmentally-Friendly Cleaning Products
When cleaning your home, choose environmentally-friendly cleaning products. Some cleaning products with harsh chemicals can actually trigger allergy symptoms. Environmentally-friendly cleaning products have natural ingredients that shouldn’t trigger those annoying sneezes and watery eyes. Some people also like to make their own natural cleaning products. These include ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon.
Besides harsh chemicals, many cleaning products include fragrances to help your house smell good. While some people may love these scents, they can easily trigger allergies. If you want allergy relief while cleaning, look for fragrance-free products. This is a simple step that can go a long way.
Reduce Pet Dander
We all love our pets but they can sometimes be a source of allergens. Protein found in pet urine, saliva, and dander can become airborne. When this happens, it can trigger allergy symptoms.
To reduce pet dander, vacuum your home regularly, and wash your pet at least once a week. Trying to keep your pet off furniture and out of your bedroom can also provide allergy relief. Some people put up baby gates in their homes to designate certain areas as pet-free zones.
Let a Professional Clean Your Home
Keeping your home clean and free of allergens takes time…time that many of us don’t have. While these tips for allergy sufferers can help, many lack the time to take care of these things regularly. That’s why you’ll find that many people hire professionals to clean their homes. This not only frees up valuable time but also provides you with a spotless home.
Professional maid service can include, but are not limited to:
- Cleaning of kitchens and bathrooms, including showers, toilets, sinks, baths
- Wiping down appliances, counters, sinks, cabinet doors
- Vacuuming the entire home
- Mopping
- Making beds
- Dusting all surfaces including baseboards, light fixtures, mirrors,
Many professional cleaning companies also provide services like cleaning the oven or refrigerator, spot-cleaning carpets, and cleaning china cabinets. These types of services are usually done at an additional cost.
At Maid Luxe, we provide professional cleaning service with a variety of package options. Whether you are looking for essential cleaning services that you can schedule weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, we can find a schedule that works for you.
We also offer services that many people schedule as a one-time cleaning to provide them with a fresh start. This is often done when people move to a new home. When you move into a new home, you want a home that is free of dust mites and other allergens.
Call Maid Luxe today at 713-242-8935 to learn more tips for allergy sufferers and find out how we can keep your clean of allergens and provide the allergy relief you need to feel comfortable in your home.
