The constant coughing, exasperating sneezing, and drenched eyes – we’ve all been there…and all because of a few minuscule dust particles. That’s the power of allergens for you! We aren’t here to talk about the power of allergens, though, but rather the power of eradicating them with the right cleaning tips.
Welcome to our blog post on allergen-free cleaning. Maintaining a clean and healthy home environment is essential for you and your loved ones, especially if you have allergies or respiratory conditions. So we’d like to help! In this post, we will share valuable tips and cleaning practices to help you reduce allergens in your living space. If you’re ready to take care of your health, allergens, and indoor air quality, then keep reading.
Understanding Common Household Allergens
To better understand how to deal with them, it’s helpful to learn a bit more about the common allergens we find in our homes. Below we’ll give a synopsis of dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, including info on the best cleaning practices for each of them.
1. Dust Mites
These are tiny creatures that thrive in warm and humid environments. They are one of the most common allergens that cause respiratory issues. To minimise dust mite exposure, follow these tips:
- Wash your bedding weekly in hot water (54°C or above).
- Cover your mattresses, pillows, and box springs in allergen-proof covers.
- Vacuum 1-2 times a week with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter.
- Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce humidity levels in your home.
2. Pollen
This is a primary outdoor allergen that causes discomfort when making its way indoors. Use these tips to reduce pollen infiltration in your home:
- Keep your windows closed whenever possible during pollen season, and use air purifiers with HEPA filters.
- Remove your shoes whenever entering your home to prevent bringing in pollen.
- Vacuum and mop regularly to clean floors, carpets, and surfaces regularly.
- Clean and groom your pets regularly to minimise pollen on their fur.
3. Pet Dander
Pet dander consists of tiny skin flakes and proteins. Use the following pet-friendly cleaning tips to keep dander at bay:
- Regularly groom your pets especially brushing and bathing, to reduce dander.
- Keep pets out of the rooms of family members that are highly allergic.
- Regularly vacuum and dust areas where your pets spend their most time.
- Wash pet bedding regularly in hot water to get rid of any dander that has accumulated there.
Allergen-Free Cleaning Practices
To keep your home free of allergens, certain cleaning practices need to be performed more regularly than others. Let’s take a look at these below.
1. Regular Vacuuming and Dusting
Regular vacuuming and dusting are arguably the most important cleaning practices for reducing allergens. Use these tips when doing them:
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery 1-2 times a week, depending on your particular circumstances.
- Don’t forget about areas that often get overlooked, such as curtains, blinds, and baseboards.
- Dust surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth to capture allergens effectively.
- Invest in a HEPA-filtered air purifier to further improve indoor air quality.
2. Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is vital concerning the importance of indoor air quality. Use these tips to create a well-ventilated home:
- Open windows on dry and breezy days to bring fresh air in.
- Keep your bathrooms and kitchens free of moisture and odours with exhaust fans.
- Regularly clean and replace air filters in HVAC systems.
- Place indoor plants around your house – peace lilies or spider plants are great options.
3. Laundering Bedding and Upholstery
Bedding and upholstery are where we spend most of our time indoors, so it’s vital that they get cleaned often. Follow these guidelines:
- Wash all bedding weekly in hot water (54°C or above).
- Use a brush attachment when vacuuming upholstered furniture to remove dust and allergens.
- Consider steam cleaning upholstery bi-annually or seasonally to deep clean and sanitise fabric surfaces.
- Invest in allergen-proof covers for your mattresses and pillows.
Allergen-Free Cleaning Products
While cleaning tips and techniques are important, the products we use when cleaning are equally crucial in making a difference. Use the guidelines listed below regarding cleaning products and solutions.
1. Hypoallergenic Cleaning Solutions
Opt for hypoallergenic products to minimise exposure to harsh chemicals and reduce the risk of triggering allergies. These products have been specially formulated to be better options for allergen-free cleaning. Look out for labels with the following words or taglines on them: “hypoallergenic,” “fragrance-free,” or “dye-free.”
2. DIY Allergen-Free Cleaners
If you prefer natural and cost-effective cleaning solutions, try your hand at making your own allergen-free natural cleaning solutions at home. Here are a few recipes:
- All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Baking Soda Scrub: Create a paste with baking soda and water for gentle scrubbing.
- Citrus Air Freshener: Combine citrus peels and white vinegar in a jar and let it infuse for a few weeks.
Conclusion
Now that you’re aware of potential allergens in your home, and know how to deal with them, you can put these guidelines into practice for optimal health. By implementing the tips and practices shared in this blog post, you can create a cleaner and healthier living environment for yourself and your family.
If you’re struggling to find the time to fit cleaning into your schedule, don’t just leave it until the allergens have had time to build up; SweepSouth cleaning services are your solution. We’ve got a variety of professional services all offered at reasonable prices by vetted, professional cleaners. Book today and get ready to enjoy a spotless home.
