While most of us welcome the warmer weather, for allergy sufferers, spring can be full of coughs, sneezes, and sniffles. In order to make your living space an allergen-free zone, here are 5 spring cleaning tips to freshen up your home and alleviate your symptoms.
Know your allergy triggers
In order to formulate an efficient and effective cleaning plan, while minimizing your exposure, you need to identify your allergy triggers. If you’re unsure of which substances are causing your allergies, have a doctor administer an allergen test. Once you know, you’ll be able to focus in on the areas that matter most.
Refresh Your Carpeting
Carpets are like giant air filters, trapping dust and dander inside their fibres until you vacuum them up. However, even the most powerful home vacuums can’t extract every particle, meaning allergens are slowly building up over time. Once that buildup becomes significant, your carpet loses the ability to hold onto all of that dirt and grime, meaning each time you move around, you’re sending allergens airborne.
To keep your carpet functioning properly, not to mention looking great, regular professional cleanings are a must. And what better time than spring to give your carpet a fresh start?
Dust Intelligently
Dust is unquestionably one of the biggest problems for allergy suffers but the average dusting tool may not be doing you much good. That’s because traditional dusters often just move dust around, sending it into the air just to land on another surface like rugs or furniture. To make sure dust stays where it belongs, wipe down any affected areas with a damp micro-fibre cloth. Once you’ve eliminated dust from your main living areas, if you’re still not feeling better, you may also want to check less traveled areas, like pantries and closets,
Deep Clean Your Furniture
Similar to carpeting, your furniture can also be a magnet for allergens: dust mites burrow into your recliner while your pet’s afternoon nap leaves dander on your couch. While DIY cleaning will easily handle everyday stains and soiling, it won’t remove allergens trapped deep in your upholstery and cushions. To fully protect yourself and your family, it’s a good idea to have your furniture professionally cleaned at least once per year. At Aquamist, our technicians use cleaning tools specifically designed for use on furniture and we use allergy-friendly cleaning products that are 100% organic and fragrance free.
Look For Standing Water
Standing water sources like cracked foundations, leaky pipes, and internal air conditioning units are breeding grounds for mould. That can mean misery for those with allergies. For small issues, consider using a dehumidifier, which will help remove dampness from the area and keep spore growth under control. If, however, there is a more serious problem, such as significant water damage, it’s time to consult a qualified technician.
If you need a hand with your spring cleaning, contact the allergen elimination experts at Aquamist today for a free consultation.