If you or someone in your home suffers from year-round or seasonal allergies or asthma, there are ways to reduce by cleaning correctly to remove allergens. Allergens can be any substance that causes an allergic reaction.
Regular weekly cleaning of your home is an important part of an allergy control plan. Even the act of cleaning – especially if it has not been done for some time – can trigger allergy symptoms as dust and other allergens are stirred up.
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If cleaning has been neglected for several weeks, wearing a protective mask is a good habit. Use the right cleaning tools and products to capture allergens and avoid exposure to chemicals that can cause allergies.
Best cleaning tools for allergen reduction
Vacuum Cleaner: The type of vacuum you choose makes a big difference in reducing allergens. If you don’t have a fine particle HEPA filter vacuum, use a double bag to trap as many particles as possible. Choose a bagless vacuum cleaner, which has a sealed cleaning station that automatically empties the cup or regularly cleans and washes the collection cup. Or a robotic vacuum and mop system, which offers continuous overnight cleaning, is a good option to keep allergens under control on all types of flooring while you are not in the room.
Fabric Allergen Sanitizer Vacuum: These vacuum cleaners use ultraviolet light to kill dust mites and bacteria and then a dual filtration system to eliminate 99.9% of offenders from fabric surfaces.
Washable Microfiber Cleaning Cloths and Mops: Microfiber cloths attract dust better than cotton or paper towels. Choose tools with removable heads that can be thrown in the washing machine for thorough cleaning. Dampen mops and cleaning cloths lightly before using to attract the most dust.
Disposable Dusting Wipes: Synthetic dusting wipes and dusters attract dust and create static cling that holds dust until it can be eliminated in the trash.
Protective Masks and Gloves: Opt for disposable or washable masks. Avoid latex gloves and choose cotton-lined rubber gloves to prevent skin irritation.
Laundry Products: Choose detergents and other stain removal products that are dye-free and unscented. Studies have shown that dye is often the culprit for skin irritation.
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Best cleaning products for allergen reduction
Unfortunately, some cleaning products can actually be irritants and cause the same symptoms as an allergen. 4 Choose cleaning products that contain as few chemicals as possible. It is particularly important to limit your exposure to products that include:
- Ammonia
- D-limonene
- Formaldehyde
- Sodium Hypochlorite
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
These chemicals have been identified as potentially irritating. Learn to read labels before using a cleaning or laundry product.
Look for unscented cleaning products and use natural products such as distilled white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice for cleaning.
Reduce allergens throughout the house
Here are 7 tips to reduce allergens throughout your home:
- Control indoor temperature and humidity. Dust mites and mold spores like warmth and humidity. By maintaining a temperature between 20˚C and 22˚C and a humidity level no higher than 50%, you can reduce their growth.
- Use small particle filters in central heating and cooling systems and in air conditioning units. Change or clean filters monthly.
- Add an ambient air purifier like the Clorox True HEPA air purifier to capture even more allergens.
- Control pests like insects and rodents. Use traps or a professional exterminator and seal all cracks that might allow them to enter your home.
- Remove clutter and dust collectors from living spaces.
- Do not allow smoking anywhere inside the home.
- Keep pets outside as much as possible. Bathe pets at least once a week and wash bedding weekly.
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