How to Clean Each Room in Your Home If You Have Allergies

Cleaning the home is often a tedious task, but we can’t deny that it’s very necessary to do on a regular basis, especially if you have nasty allergies. After all, the worst thing is constantly having allergic reactions in the very place where you should be taking a rest. Here’s a helpful guide on how to clean your home from top to bottom, to help keep those allergic reactions under control.

Living room

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When it comes to cleaning any space, it’s important to start from the top, then move downward. Begin by dusting your ceiling fans and light fixtures, as well as your windows and window treatments. Proceed to wiping down or vacuuming your furniture pieces, and follow that up by vacuuming your carpets and mopping your floor. Don’t forget to also dust down any accessories you may have in this area.

Kitchen

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Since the kitchen is prone to mold and mildew, the first step to keeping it clean is by opening your exhaust fans, to reduce moisture. Make it a habit to check your fixtures, pipes, and appliances for any possible issues. Also, don’t forget to get rid of any food products you keep in your refrigerator and pantry that may have already expired.

It’s also important to maintain daily cleaning habits to keep your kitchen spotless. Don’t let dirty dishes pile up; wash them right after meals. Wipe stains and spills off of your countertops. Lastly, take a few times every year to clean your cabinets, drawers, and shelves of dust and crumbs.

Bedroom

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Just like the living room, you may have multiple pieces of furniture inside your bedroom. Start by dusting or vacuuming them, as well as your floor, including the space underneath your bed and your windows. Give your accessories and décor a good wipe to clear away any dust. Remember to keep your closets and drawers closed while you do these to avoid getting dust on your clothes.

Bed sheets, blankets, and pillowcases also tend to collect plenty of dust, which makes it necessary to wash them in hot water weekly. Once you’ve washed them, stick them in the dryer instead of hanging them up outside, since that will only attract outside allergens to them. Take things a step further by wrapping your mattresses, pillows, and beddings in allergen-proof covers. Finally, clean your aircon filters regularly, not just to keep dust and dirt at bay but also to keep your AC working well.

READ: Are Your Pillows Making You Sick?

Bathroom

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The humid and damp environment in the bathroom makes it a prime breeding ground for all sorts of harmful allergens, particularly mold and mildew, which tend to grow on counters, tubs, toilets, and sinks. There are different kinds of cleaners you can buy to remove any signs of these allergens, or you can use a mixture of three parts water and one part bleach to scrub affected areas. If you decide to use this cleaning method, make sure your bathroom has enough proper ventilation, and to turn on your exhaust fan if you have one.

Aside from your bathroom finishes, don’t forget to also keep the items stored inside the room kept as clean as possible—towels should be hung up after every use, drains should be checked constantly, shower curtains should be cleared of mildew growth, etc.

READ: 5 Bathroom Items You Need to Replace Regularly

Storage areas

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If you have a room or an area inside your home that you’ve set aside as a place to store all the items you can’t get rid of yet, there’s a big chance that it’s very dusty. Make sure to vacuum this room regularly, and to wipe dust off the items you keep there. Check for any possible leaks in the roof and other things that may need repairing.

Other helpful tips

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• One way to keep allergens at a minimum inside your home is by controlling the temperature and humidity inside. Some helpful items you can invest in are dehumidifiers and air purifiers. You can also go for houseplants that help clean the air, to add instant pizzazz to your space.
• Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner with good filter and suction power. You don’t want to use a vacuum cleaner that will only expel dust back into the air instead of getting rid of it.
• As much as possible, keep your pets outside, and if you do let them inside, make sure to bathe them at least once a week and to clean their paws before letting them step into your home.
• Take steps to prevent pests from invading your home. Seal any openings and cracks in the walls and corners of your home, or enlist the help of a professional to solve your pest problems.
• And don't forget to protect yourself while cleaning! Wear a mask while sweeping or dusting, and use a damp cloth or mop so the dust particles won't scatter into the air. Are you severely allergic to dust? Then ask another family member to do the dusting, or consider hiring a cleaning service. 

Source: The Spruce