5 Spring Cleaning Tips to Fight Allergies
Spring is here, unfortunately so are seasonal allergies. Many allergy sufferers are used to noticing this outdoors because of environmental allergens from trees, grass, and weed pollen. But we often forget how dust and allergens indoors can worsen in a dirty home. Plus, outdoor pollen can come through open windows and vents when you are trying to get some fresh air on a nice spring day. With all this time stuck inside, take advantage of 5 quick spring cleaning tips to help everyone in your household breathe a little easier.
Trust us, if you or a member of your household suffers from allergies, asthma, or hay fever, you’ll want to give this a read!
- Map out a Spring Cleaning plan
A checklist is a great tool to help you stay on task, motivated, and work efficiently. When you set times, be realistic about what areas you can fully complete within the time frame. - Focus on Neglected and Hard to Clean Items
This is the time to clean under furniture, clean air filters from your furnace or AC intake, clean ceiling fans and window screens, —anywhere dust and pollen can gather. - Clean from top to bottom
Clean room by room from top to bottom to avoid cleaning the same area twice. You can avoid cleaning areas that were recently cleaned and ensure that dust and debris that falls is cleaned from surfaces below. - Organize and clean the clutter
Sort your belongings into categories:trash, give-away, or store. This is the time to get rid of items that no longer fit your needs and are just taking space and collecting dust. - Stay fresh with on-going cleaning habits
Put together a clean bucket or basket with all the essentials. We recommend a natural, all-purpose cleaner, a microfiber cloth, a sponge, and a reusable spray bottle. Then create daily or weekly cleaning routines to help keep your home sparkling and your allergies in check. This small change can make a difference in keeping your house clean and allergen free year-round.
Bonus Tip: Sanitize major touch-points and any food preparation surfaces in your household regularly. During COVID-19 it is advised to do so every day or two (more frequently if you notice something may have been contaminated). Touch points include things like handles, light switch, remote controls, cell phones, or other items frequently used by multiple people or taken in and out of the home. Use certified disinfecting products from the store or a solution of 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water or 70% or greater rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol. DO NOT MIX cleaning products. Not all products are ideal for cleaning every item. Consult guidance from the CDC and product manufacturers.
Besides cleaning, you can help prevent allergies by closing windows and doors at home and while driving, showering before bedtime, and avoiding drying clothes outdoors. Do not forget to check your local weather forecast or the National Allergy Bureau to get daily pollen counts. Happy Spring!
Need more tips? Here are some great articles to help you achieve your cleaning goals: