Control Your Allergies with Regular Cleaning

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Suffering constantly from allergies can make any person frustrated and not feeling 100%. Not only do you feel bad, you can also spend a small fortune on doctor visits and allergy medications. Instead of prolonging your suffering, you can engage in regular home maintenance that can help prevent allergy attacks stemming from your indoor environment.

Here is a room-by-room cleaning plan that can help you control your exposure to allergens. Make sure you perform these tasks regularly and wear a mask to protect yourself during the cleaning process.

In the Kitchen

• Keep counters, stovetops, and floors free of excess water, food crumbs, and grease.
• Clean the outside and inside of the refrigerator once a month.
• Wash and dry dishes soon after using them.
• Keep the space under your sink uncluttered and dry.
• Don't keep brown paper bags in cabinets or other areas because they are a magnet for roaches who like to hide in them.
• Empty your trash cans daily and clean the cans with disinfectant once a month.

In the Living Room

• Vacuum once a week (more often if you have indoor pets).
• Clean dust off the blinds, lights, and fans once a month.
• Steam clean the carpets and furniture once a year.
• If you have a fireplace, keep it clean and store wood outside to prevent mold.

In the Bedroom

• Wash your sheets each week in hot water.
• Wash other bedding in hot water every two months.
• Dust the furniture and vacuum the floor weekly.
• Vacuum your mattress and box spring every six months. Use an anti-allergen mattress cover to prevent allergens and make for easier cleaning and maintenance.
• Don't let your pets hang out or sleep in your bedroom.

In the Bathroom

• Clean the bathroom surfaces each week to remove soap scum and mildew.
• Keep your floors and counters free of water.
• Install an exhaust fan or open windows during a shower to reduce the levels of humidity.
• Wash bath mats and towels often. Do not let wet towels lay around.

Other Considerations

• Remove carpeting and select hardwood or linoleum flooring.
• Seal cracks around the foundations, windows, and cabinets to keep roaches and other insects out.
• Wash ceilings, walls, and draperies every few months.
• Keep your home free of clutter.
• Service your air and heating ducts and change filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Invest in a bag-less vacuum cleaner developed to combat allergens.

More than 50 million people suffer from indoor allergens. You can help prevent the suffering of your family or of your own. Spring cleaning once a year is not enough to beat back the allergens but you can keep up with things by performing the above-mentioned regularly. It may take a little extra housecleaning work but the benefits of reducing your allergies or avoiding allergic attacks at all will be worth it.