May is National Allergy Awareness Month
About one in five Americans suffer from some sort of allergy. The most common allergens are pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and mold. It is not uncommon to be exposed to these immune system irritants on a daily basis, in fact 80% of us are exposed to dust mites and 60% are exposed to cat and/or dog dander. It is easy to see why allergies are the 5th largest chronic disease in America.
Having a cleaner home can significantly reduce our exposure to allergens. Here are some tips to reduce your exposure to allergens in the home.
Bedroom
Did you know the bedroom is host to most of the allergens hanging out in your home? Many of them are probably hanging out in the mattress.
-Purchase hypoallergenic casings for your mattress box springs and pillow cases
-Use bedding that is easily washed right at home in the washing machine instead of the super fancy bed coverings that can only be cleaned periodically at the drycleaners
– Limit the number of stuff animals on the bed
– clean the floors regularly
-consider a heap filter
-have your floors and your mattress professionally cleaned 2-3 times per year
Living/Multi- Purpose/Entertainment Rooms
-Homes with allergy sufferers will benefit more from furniture with smooth fabrics such as leather, vinyl and ultrasuede
-limit plush toys and wash them on a regular basis
-Vacuum at least twice weekly here is a great article on the correct way to vacuum
– Get soft surfaces like carpets and upholstered furniture professionally cleaned 2-3 times a year
Kitchen and Bath
-keep food locked up tight in pantries
-use that hood vent when you are cooking something that produces lots of smoke
-check drains weekly for mold and mildew and clean accordingly
-keep fans on at least half an hour after showering and keep them clean
-have tile professionally cleaned and sealed at least once a year
More allergen reducing Home Care Tips
- Repair leaky roofs and pipes asap
- Keep papers and clothing away from damp areas
- Use dehumidifiers in most areas and empty regularly
- Use tracking mats at doorways
It is nearly impossible to keep out every bit of allergens in your home but staying on top of keeping rooms clean can drastically reduce the number of allergens in your living space.
If it has been a while since you deep cleaned the surfaces in your home All Kleen can be there in a jiffy. Make an online appointment today!