Reducing Allergens in Your Home

The month of May brings many things:  sun shining, flowers blooming, green grass, windows open, and lastly, those pesky allergies.  May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and a clean, dust free home is the first step to enjoying clean, fresh air. In the United States alone, 70 million people suffer from asthma or allergies.

Cleaned to Perfection has some helpful hints to keep the air your family breathes as clean as possible.  Dust in your household contains common allergens such as dust mites and animal dander. When these are disturbed from furniture, carpet, or a hard surface they become airborne and pollute the air you breathe.   Most common cleanings just recirculate the dust in the air, but with these simple cleaning tips, you can dramatically decrease the level of allergens in your home.

• While cleaning wear a mask to protect yourself from the recirculated dust.  After, it is recommended that you leave your home for a few hours to avoid the allergens. 
• When dusting hard surfaces, use a moist cloth or a special duster designed to trap and lock dust. 
• It is recommended in place of wall to wall carpeting,  using hardwood or linoleum floors, with just small, washable area rugs. 
• If not a viable option for your home, vacuum once or twice a week with a vacuum that has a high-efficiency air filter. As well as periodically, deep cleaning the carpet to remove stains, spills, and dust. 
• Instead of cloth, consider switching to leather furniture. 
• Wash bedding, linens, and curtains in hot water at least once a week. 
• Use double paned window if in colder climates, and inspect and clean the pollen and mold from window sills and frames. 
• Remove items that collect dust such as : knickknacks, ornaments, old magazines and books. 
• Store childrens toys in plastic bins. 
• To reduce pet dander, if you have an allergy, don't keep pets with feathers or fur.  If you are unable to find a home for your pet, make the bedrooms a no-go zone.
• Wash dishes frequently, do a deep cleaning of the sink, remember to wash the faucet, to remove any old debris and mold.  
• Store all food in a sealed plastic container (including pet food).  Wash pantry with soap and water, picking up any debris that may have fallen.
• At least twice a month, wash your fridge, wipe out any drippings, get rid of any old, expired food.
• Mop the kitchen floor at least once a week.
• In the bathroom, get rid of any wallpaper, using a mold resistant paint or tile in place. 
• Use a towel to dry the shower after every use.  Scrub to remove mold, and remove any mats or rugs that may have collected dust and mold.  
• Keep your entire house between 68 and 72 degrees, and the humidity no higher than 50 percent. 
• Don't allow smoking in your home. 
• Do a regular cleaning at least once a week, and a thorough deep cleaning in the home at least twice a month.

All of us at Cleaned to Perfection realize the amount of work that goes into a maintaining a clean, healthy, happy home. Hopefully, with these helpful hints this allergy season will be easier on you and your family. And as always, we are available to help you with your cleaning needs for this season, and those to come.  Call us for an estimate at 631-941-4607, or visit our website Cleaned to Perfection and fill out an estimate form and we will get back to you.