Today we’re talking about allergies and how to fight them by cleaning your house. The best way to fight them is to prevent them from getting into your home in the first place!
- Look for products that are dye- and perfume-free.
- Change filters in everything you can: vacuum cleaners, fans, air purifiers, etc. Frequently change the bag on your vacuum cleaner.
- Don’t vacuum too frequently or you can stir up dust mites and their droppings. People are surprised to learn that because they think the more you vacuum, the more dust you pick up. Once a week is fine!
- Mopping is another way to get that dust up off the ground. Vacuum hard floors before mopping so you don’t stir up dust. Then damp-mop hard floors using a good-quality mop with a detachable head that can be machine-washed.
- The floors aren’t the only things that need a good dusting and cleaning. Your furniture collects dust too.
- Stay away from fuzzy or flocked fabrics that are hard to clean.
- Buy pieces that can be cleaned with water.
- Vacuum upholstered pieces of furniture weekly using the upholstery brush attachment or the crevice tool on your vacuum.
- A tight weave on the fabric doesn’t allow dust into the furniture as much as a loose weave. It’s easier to vacuum, too.
- When shopping for upholstered furniture, look for pieces without loose pillows. Buy tailored pieces in tightly woven fabrics.
- Invest in a lambswool duster -- it really works. You can use them in every room. The lanolin traps the dust and keeps it from spreading. You’ll really notice a difference.
- You can control your allergies by taking care of the smallest details in your home, like the decorations you have in each room. Remove dried-flower arrangements. They may be attractive in your home, but if you have allergies, you should avoid things that attract dust.
- You’ve probably heard that if you have allergies, you should keep your windows closed. It’s true, especially on windy days. You should also wash your windows and screens frequently.
- If you have a fireplace, keep it clean and keep the damper closed.
Another good idea for allergy-prone people is to invest in a dehumidifier and maintain it well. Use a diluted solution of all-purpose cleaner to clean the coils (like the back of the refrigerator, the coils gather a lot of dust). Keeping them clean improves the dehumidifier’s efficiency and reduces allergens. Pay special attention to the container that catches the water: empty it weekly and clean it, too. Wash it with a solution of 1 quart warm water and 2 teaspoons chlorine bleach.
| 
