Four Cleaning Tips to Fight Fall Allergies
Usually when we think allergies we think of spring, but as many allergy sufferers are aware, fall can bring in a whole new wave of allergens causing miserable symptoms. Luckily there are some things we can do to reduce allergens in our homes and make them a haven to get a break from the outdoors when allergens are high and symptoms are attacking.
Here are four fall cleaning tips to reduce allergens.
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Dusting
Dust mites are a very common trigger of allergy and asthma symptoms and their source of food, of course, is dust. The best way to keep dust to the lowest level possible is to dust often with a microfiber cloth that picks up and traps the dust instead of moving it back into the air and onto a different surface. Ideally, you should be dusting at least once or twice a week when you suffer from allergies, working from the highest up surface down to the lowest. Make sure to stick dusting cloths in the laundry.
It is also a great idea to get rid of the clutter in your home, as it is a large dust magnet. The more surfaces to land on the more dust.
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Laundry
If you have been outside for a long period of time, and especially if you have been doing anything like yardwork or hiking, you should change your clothes as soon as you get home and stick them in the laundry. You also want to stay on top of washing bed linens. It is a good idea to launder sheets weekly in peak allergy seasons. If you line dry your items purchase a good quality drying rack so that you can dry items inside the home, not outside where they can pick up pollen or even mold spores.
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Routine Floor Care
Much of the stuff that comes in from outside is tracked in from the soles of shoes. Keep more allergens outside by keeping entryways clean and consider a no-shoes inside the home policy. Make sure to sweep outside entry areas like porches, have a quality mat on both sides of every exterior door, and remove shoes as soon as you come inside. You will be surprised at how much this keeps allergens to a very minimal amount inside your home.
Additionally, you want to routinely vacuum your floors. Vacuuming is the best way to keep your carpets clean in between deep cleanings. Sadly, most people are improperly vacuuming and/or not even vacuuming enough to make it truly effective and beneficial. The proper way to vacuum is to do it slowly to give the vacuum plenty of time for suction and to go in overlapping rows to ensure no spot was missed. Vacuuming should also be done at least once or twice a week on a routine basis.
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Deep Cleaning
On an annual basis, surfaces like carpet, upholstery and even mattresses should be professionally deep cleaned. With time, dust, dirt, pollen, and other things fall deep down to the bottom of the fibers where not even a vacuum can reach. The only way to get the deeply embedded stuff out of your soft surfaces is with professional deep cleaning equipment. The high powered suction is strong enough to reach the deepest areas and the heat and cleaning solutions sanitize and kills germs. It is the best way to ensure your home is truly clean.
For deep cleaning in Arlington and surrounding areas make an appointment online or over the phone with All Kleen.