Spring cleaning is important to many people as it symbolizes a fresh start to a new year. Decluttering physical space can be very beneficial for a person’s mental health, and the warming temperatures of spring provide the perfect opportunity to do so. But did you know that tidying up your house can do wonders for your allergy symptoms?
Follow our best tips while cleaning your house to keep bothersome allergies at bay:
Take a preventative anti-histamine
If you suffer from dust mites or other allergies, take a nonsedating antihistamine to stop allergy symptoms in their tracks before you start cleaning. There are many brands (Zyrtec®, Claritin®, Allegra®, Xyzal®) and generic versions as well. If you take other prescription or over-the-counter medications, make sure taking an antihistamine is not contraindicated. If you’re unsure, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Wear a mask
Dust gets kicked up during deep cleaning, so if you have dust allergies it’s important to wear a mask to filter out those allergens. A medical-grade mask will provide better results than a cloth mask…they just don’t have the filtering capability you need. Check your local medical supply or hardware store for the best options.
Use HEPA filters
Opt for HEPA filters everywhere you can use one. Your home’s HVAC system, your vacuum, and any air filtration units you use should all have HEPA filters to keep the number of allergens circulating in your home at the lowest level possible.
No standing water
Standing water is the perfect environment for mold growth, which is a big problem for people with airborne allergies. Make sure there are no leaks anywhere in your home’s plumbing. If you do find a leak, no matter how small, repair it quickly and clean up any accumulated pooled water.
Avoid fragrances
Artificial fragrances are a common trigger for people with allergies, so avoid them in your cleaning products. This means choosing products that are often marketed as “free”, “clear”, or “fragrance-free”. Some entire cleaning product lines are made without fragrances as well.
Wash linens regularly
Dust, pollen, and other allergens floating around in the surrounding air eventually settle down onto a hard surface. It’s easy to wipe the dust off of a table, but it’s harder to get it off of your curtains, tablecloths, and even bed sheets. That’s why it’s important to wash and change these items regularly to get rid of the allergens that have accumulated.
Use the dryer
The thought of air-dried clothes might sound nice, but in reality, you’re exposing your clothes to environmental allergens. Just like the linens in your home, those allergens settle down onto the fabric of your clothing and stay there, just waiting for you to stir them around while getting dressed. Combat this issue by using your laundry dryer and keeping the filter nice and clean.
Allergy Treatment in Tampa Bay
Don’t let allergies ruin the season! If spring cleaning has your allergies stirred up, the experts at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates of Tampa Bay can help you get them back under control. Schedule an appointment at one of our two convenient Tampa Bay locations by calling (813) 971-9743.
