9 Cleaning Tips for Fall Allergies

Most Marylanders welcome the beautiful fall weather, however, this can be a miserable time for allergy sufferers. Falling leaves combined with wet and windy weather stir up allergens. For those affected, such as people with asthma, the ragweed and molds of autumn could have disastrous effects. If you or a family member experience these issues, there are some steps you can take to lessen the severity of symptoms and outbreaks. Keeping a clean home is vital as part of your seasonal routine. While hiring a cleaning service could vastly improve your home’s conditions, we have some cleaning tips for fall allergies that you can utilize between professional services.

1. Vacuum One or Two Times a Week

Make sure to get a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, because micro allergens will pass through any regular filters. Without a HEPA consider that everytime you vacuum you could be blowing the allergens right back into the air.

2. Wear a Mask When Cleaning

Whether you are cleaning inside or outside, it is a good idea to wear a mask. That way you limit the number of allergens you directly breathe in. Use disposable or reusable, but make sure to wash after every use. If you are doing yard work, shower and change your clothes as soon as you are finished. Or, after you clean your house leave for a few hours to reduce exposure to allergens, you may have kicked up.

3. Dust Often

Dust with a microfiber cloth that captures the dirt rather than pushing it around the surface or into the air. Also, dust a couple of times a week, especially if you have been keeping the windows open.

4. Keep An Eye Out For Mold

Scrub the bathroom regularly to keep it free of mold. Make sure to use the ventilation fan to remove excess humidity everytime you shower or take a bath. Don’t forget the shower curtain! Replace vinyl ones, and wash the cloth ones monthly. Check your laundry room periodically. Steam from washing and drying could encourage mold on surfaces. Also, excess water trapped under rubber trim on washers and dryers could be a breeding ground for allergens.

5. Rake Up Fall Leaves

While in the past you may have waited until the last leaf fell to conquer raking your yard, for allergy sufferers, this is a big mistake. Fallen leaves are the ideal home for mold and mildew to collect and fester. Rake leaves weekly and dispose of them immediately. If you compost, stage the area far from your house.

6. Wash Curtains or Dust Blinds

Mild temperatures and a nice breeze entice many of us to open the windows and air the house out in the fall. So, then, think of your window treatments like an air filter. They trap many allergens in your home. , dust blinds regularly. Take down your drapes and wash them monthly.

7. Monitor Indoor Humidity

We mentioned the bathroom and laundry rooms early, but if you suffer from allergies, it is a good idea to monitor the rest of the house as well. Aim for about a 35-50 percent humidity levels. Any higher could encourage allergens and increase flair ups. If your home’s humidity seems too high, invest in a dehumidifier.

8. Change HVAC Filters

While you may be tempted to open the windows to enjoy the breeze, if you have allergies it is best to keep your windows closed and use the air conditioner. However, if your HVAC is running non-stop, your filters will get dirtier faster. Change them monthly to keep the air in your home as clean as possible.

9. Wash All Linens

Change bed sheets often. Wash blankets and pillows. Launder dust ruffles, duvet covers, throw rugs, and other things you wouldn’t wash regularly. Also, avoid hanging laundry outside to dry as it will collect allergens.

These cleaning tips for fall allergies could help reduce your symptoms and keep you healthier all season long. Don’t have the time to stay on top of all this? We understand. Life is super busy. So, let Maid Healthy take care of cleaning the house. That way you can focus on what’s really important. Contact us today for a free quote. Hire Maid Healthy and live in a happier, healthy home!