Most families these days have at least one family member, if not more, that suffer from either seasonal or year-round allergies. The irritation is not only frustrating but also hinders your performance at home, work or anywhere else. It is important to be sure to take the necessary steps at home to make sure you are removing those allergens.
Weekly cleaning habits are an important tool to be sure to keep the allergens away. For those sensitive to the act of cleaning, like dust flying around while dusting, be sure to wear a mask to protect your airways. Another important part of the process to trap those allergens is to use the proper tools and cleaning products. It is important to use non-toxic, chemical free products as that is also another huge trigger for those allergies.
Best Cleaning Tools for people with Allergies:
1. Vacuum with a HEPA filter - a great vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter traps incoming dust mites or pet dander so they don’t disperse back into the air. This is extremely helpful for people with indoor allergies.
2. Microfiber cleaning cloths - these clothes are a secret weapon when it comes to dusting effectively. The soft fibers attract the dust immediately, especially when dampened slightly with just water or a non-toxic cleaner. It is cost effective, good for the environment and easy to use.
3. Air Purifier - Clean air is vitally important when you have allergies. The Levoit Wi-Fi Air Purifier has a pre-filter to capture hair, lint, and pet hair; a true HEPA filter to trap dust mites and pollen; and a high-efficiency activated carbon filter to absorb smoke odor and VOCs.
4. Hypoallergenic Mattress/Pillow Protector -Washing your bedding can reduce dust and other allergens, but your mattress won’t fit in the washing machine. The Malouf Encase LT Mattress Encasement zips all the way around to protect the top, bottom, and sides of the mattress, protecting it from bacteria, dust mites, pollen, and bed bugs.
5. Steam Mop - Steam is a powerful ally against germs and debris.Using three levels of cleaning, it can eliminate 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria without using harmful chemicals. For tough, sticky areas, the flip-down easy scrubber brushes them away.
6. Protective Masks and Gloves - A disposable or washable face covering will protect you from inhaling dust and chemicals that will irritate your allergies and skin. At this point, we all have so many laying around, throw one on when you clean as well for protection against the dust.
Best Cleaning Tips for people with Allergies:
1. It's best to avoid using cleaning products that contain harsh, potentially irritating chemicals. Common home cleaning chemical ingredients that can be irritating such as formaldehyde, ammonia, sodium lauryl sulphate, D-limonene and sodium hypochlorite.
2. Regular home cleaning to reduce indoor allergens, including molds, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and cockroach droppings. Taking a few simple steps to keep dust to a minimum, preventing molds from growing, and controlling cockroaches and other pests may help minimize your allergy symptoms.
3. Change air filters regularly to avoid build up. It's an easy but forgotten step that helps keep the overall air quality in the home clean and safe. Suggested time frame to change the filters is every 3 months.
4. Say goodbye to your rugs. Rugs and carpets can trap allergens. Having vinyl, tile, or hardwood floors reduces your exposure to triggers. Get smaller, washable rugs that you can toss into the laundry.
5. Get rid of your drapes or horizontal blinds. They trap both dust and allergens. Switch to roll shades. Though these dust collectors are gorgeous, they can be a nightmare for allergies.
6. Declutter where you can - it is important to avoid decor and things in the house that cause clutter and collect dust, trapping it inside.
6. Take shoes off before you go in the house. That way pollens or other triggers won’t get tracked in.
7. Use air-conditioning instead of opening windows when it’s hot outside. An air conditioner will filter the air, preventing dust, dirt, pollens, molds and other triggers from getting in.