Let’s be honest, most of us let our homes get messy from time to time—especially during the winter. There’s just something about winter that makes you want to curl up on the couch and designate cleaning as a future chore. Unfortunately, for people with allergies to indoor substances like dust mites, pet dander and mold, putting off cleaning can trigger a rush of symptoms.
Let’s look at a few tips to rid your house of those pesky allergens for a spring of clearer breathing.
Your Spring Cleaning Checklist
Include the following on your spring cleaning checklist to clear dust and pet dander from your bedroom and living spaces:
- Sort through and donate old clothes, toys, etc.
- Sweep and mop hardwood flooring
- Vacuum any carpeting
- Dust shelving, tables, TV stands, ceiling fans, window blinds and any surface without soft upholstery
- Wash bedding, including sheets, blankets and pillows
- Wash fabric curtains and throw pillows
- Put soft children’s toys in the washing machine and spray down hard toys. You can put most non-electronic hard toys in the top rack of your dishwasher
- Replace air filters
- Lint roll your upholstered furniture and mattress
- If you have a pet, bathe and brush them to remove excess dander
Include the following to remove and prevent mold growth in your kitchen, bathroom or basement:
- Clean sinks, including drains and your garbage disposal, with a kitchen cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar from Green Vine Market
- Wash trash cans and recycling bins
- Clean your oven and microwave
- Use a tile cleaner to wipe down the tub, bathroom sink and toilet
- Sweep and mop
If you notice mold growth anywhere in the house, you can clean it with white vinegar. You should call a professional to inspect and remove any mold that covers a large area or keeps recurring.
Schedule an Allergy Test
If you get your house to spick-and-span status but you’re still experiencing allergy symptoms, it’s likely that you have an unknown allergy. Contact us at Collin County ENT today to schedule an allergy test and treatment consultation.