If you’re looking to allergy-proof your home, all you have to do is take a look around. There are fundamental things around the house that could be contributing to your itchy, watery eyes and wheezy sneezes. And for those who have asthma or other respiratory issues, household allergens are more than an irritation; they could be deadly.
The Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties share these tips for how to remove airborne irritants and allergy-proof your home (or business!).
Ways to Allergy-Proof Your Home
Cleaning Curtains and Upholstery
From carpet to upholstery, most of the allergens in your home can be found in places that are porous or absorbent. Dust, dander, and mold often make a home in these places, so it’s important to regularly clean.
If you have pets in the home, try to keep them off the furniture (we know! we love cuddling up on the couch with our dogs, too). However, this can be a major source of allergens, says SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties. If you’re not regularly cleaning your furniture, these allergens can set deep into upholstery and fabric. Regularly vacuum your furniture. Only purchase throws and pillows that can be washed with hot (not warm) water and dried on a high heat setting.
Drapes and curtains are like magnets for dust and allergens. Keep in the habit of washing them every six to twelve months. Just be sure to check the label for cleaning instructions so you don’t damage your drapes in the wash.
Deep Cleaning Carpet
Regularly running the vacuum can help to cut down on surface-level allergens on carpet, however, not all vacuums are created equally. Consider investing in a vacuum with a HEPA filter and a certification mark from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. HEPA filters are able to trap high quantities of small particles that many other vacuums circulate into the air.
Some allergens are seated deep into carpet fibers, and only then will a deep clean do. The Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties suggest a hot water extraction for all carpet types to remove pesky allergens set deep in your carpet.
Cleaning Air Ducts
Air ducts and HVAC can circulate dust, pollen, dirt, and other irritants around your home or business. If your ducts haven’t been cleaned in a while, poor air quality could be a major culprit in your allergies or asthma-related flare-ups. Having your ducts professionally cleaned will not only reduce the amount of allergens entering your home, but it can also extend the life of your HVAC system.
Ventilating Your Bathroom
Mold loves moisture (and mildew, too!). When the steam from the shower is not properly ventilated, it creates condensation. And with little chance to quickly dry, SERVPRO says it can lead to mold growth. If you have a ventilation fan, run it during every bath or shower to reduce the amount of moisture left in the room. If you don’t have a fan, consider having one installed, but at the very least, crack the door or open a window to allow that moisture to escape.
Are airborne allergens running a muck? Contact SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties for quality cleaning services that help allergy-proof your home or business.
