If you’ve tried to control spring allergies, you know there is usually no quick, one-step solution. But if you follow these seven allergy-busting tips, your efforts will add up:
- Bathrooms. Turn on the exhaust fan during and after baths and showers. Regularly scrub the tub, shower, shower curtain and faucets with bleach and water or a 50-50 mixture of white vinegar and water. Repair leaks promptly.
- Bedrooms. Wash your sheets, pillowcases and blankets at least weekly in water heated to at least 120 degrees to kill dust mites. Vacuum regularly, and don’t forget the closets, which are dust havens. Clean condensation from window frames before it has a chance to attract mold spores. Favor easy-to-clean nightstands, dressers and chairs rather than upholstered furniture, which attracts dust.
- Kitchen. Use an exhaust fan after cooking and clean countertops after every use. Wipe up moisture promptly, and throw out moldy and outdated food. Make sure your food garbage can has a lid so it deters bugs.
- Living room and family room. Dust window frames and furniture weekly. Vacuum the carpet weekly; wash area rugs in high-traffic areas once a week, too. Limit the use of a wood-burning fireplace, as the smoke can aggravate allergies. By contrast, gas fireplaces usually don’t affect allergies.
- Basement. Keep floors and carpets completely moisture-free. Use a dehumidifier to reduce dampness, and wipe it down once a week. Regularly check the foundation and stairwell for any water leaks.
- Laundry room. Ensure that your clothes dryer vents outdoors. Store clothing, holiday decorations or other household items in plastic bins.
- Air cleaning. Consider installing a mechanical air-cleaning solution, such as a whole-house air cleaner or purifier that’s connected directly to your home’s heating and cooling system. These come in a variety of models, and are designed to directly target allergens and other pollutants in your indoor air. Consult with your local HVAC professional for informed advice on what type is best for your home situation.
For other practical ideas to help you control spring allergies, contact a member of Rheem Pro Partner. Our contractors – serving the Denver metro area and other communities in Colorado and Wyoming – are brimming with good ideas.
Clean air image via Shutterstock
