Allergies and your home
Is your home causing you to suffer from sniffles and a sore throat? Dust mites, mold, cockroaches and pets can wreak havoc on those who suffer from allergies.
Dust mites tend to dwell in the bedroom and feed on the shed skin of us and our pets. Then the pets themselves can be a big cause of the sniffles. Proteins from dander – the skin flakes that you dog or cat sheds – cause allergic reactions in many of us. Mold can be found in any area of your home with high humidity or where water accumulates. Kitchens, bathrooms and basements are the best examples of such rooms. Mold thrives around cracks where water seeps in; around leaks in hoses, dishwashers and toilets; and under carpets that are frequently exposed to moisture. And then there are the nasty cockroaches, though they are not what we are allergic too, it’s their droppings that cause the reaction. Unfortunately, the protein in their dung is a primary trigger of allergic reactions and asthma symptoms.
So how do we combat all these allergens and make our homes allergy-proof? Well, it will take a little more than a spring cleaning and you might want to where a mask to cut down on the allergens that you inhale.
In the bedrooms, wash your sheets weekly in very hot water (130°F). Wash your other bedding regularly in very hot water and dry in a hot air dryer at least every eight weeks. Vacuum your box spring and mattress and encase each in an anti-allergen covering and wipe off with a clean, damp cloth. Dust and vacuum all surfaces weekly and keep your pets out of your bedroom.
Your kitchen can be a hot spot of allergens. Clean the inside and outside of your fridge monthly. Clean crumbs, grease and water from the stove, flooring and countertops regularly. Empty trash cans daily and clean them on a regular basis. Clean the area under your sink, keeping it dry and reducing clutter. Dispose of any paper grocery bags as they are a favorite hiding place for roaches. Keep food containers tightly sealed and wash and dry dishes as soon as possible after eating.
In your living and dining rooms make sure to vacuum at least once a week (more often if you have pets) and if possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter in order to keep fewer allergens from circulating into the air. Clean light fixtures and fans monthly, using a clean, damp cloth. Vacuum upholstered furniture regularly and steam clean furniture and carpets at least once a year. Keep your fireplace clean and maintained and don’t store mold-prone firewood indoors.
Bathrooms have a high humidity level, so take extra care here. Clean showers and bathtubs weekly, making sure to clear out soap scum in the process. Wipe up water around showers and bathtubs after every shower and keep the shower door or curtain open during the day so that the walls will dry. Use an exhaust fan or keep the windows open during showers to lower humidity in the room. Wash towels and bath mats often. And don’t forget to regularly clean the area under the sink and repair any leaks immediately.
Around the house, be sure to clean often. Allow natural sunshine in to reduce mold growth. Seal any cracks around the walls, floors or cabinets to keep the insects out. Use window coverings that you can easily clean and then make sure to clean them regularly.
If you take care of your ventilation, you’ll be one step closer to an allergy-free home. Clean the ductwork regularly to prevent allergens from building up in your central heating and air systems. And don’t forget to clean or change the cooling and heating system filters monthly.
You’ll be healthier in your clean home and when it comes time to sell it, you’ll have a home that is ready for market. Buyers love a clean home so you’ll be one step closer to selling your home for top dollar!