According to an article published in Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, “The most common indoor allergens are derived from dust mites, cockroaches, mammals (including wild rodents and pets), and fungi.”
To prevent allergy symptoms, we provide cleaning tips to combat these and other common indoor allergens below.
Products to Use
If you have allergies, it’s best to clean with non-toxic products. We at North Alabama ENT Associates recommend using:
- Vinegar and salt for a surface cleaner.
- Baking soda and water for baby bottles.
- Baking soda on carpeting to combat odors.
- Olive oil or vegetable oil with lemon juice for wood furniture.
- Ventilation, steeped tea or cinnamon and cloves for air freshening.
However, when it comes to mold, you’ll need to use a bleach and water solution (3/4 cup chlorine bleach per one gallon of water).
Areas to Tackle
Tackle the main areas of your home with the following tips.
Living Room
- Vacuum flooring and rugs weekly using a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. You can buy replacement filters at hardware stores such as Lewter Hardware.
- Clean your blinds and curtains about once a season.
- Minimize the number of knickknacks and other dust collectors in your home.
Bedrooms
- Encase pillows, duvets, mattresses and box springs in dust mite-proof covers.
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
- Keep your windows closed when you’re sleeping.
Kitchen
- Clean countertops daily.
- Vacuum and mop floors weekly.
- Use an exhaust fan when cooking to remove fumes and reduce moisture.
- Place garbage in an insect-proof container and empty it daily.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Discard out-of-date food promptly.
- Regularly check for leaks under the sink and behind the fridge and repair them promptly.
Bathroom
- Use an exhaust fan when using the bathroom or showering to remove fumes and reduce moisture.
- Wash rugs weekly.
- Remove wallpaper and apply washable paint or tile instead.
- Regularly check for leaks and repair them promptly.
Basement/Attic
- Always wear gloves and a mask when cleaning your basement or attic.
- Look for mold and get any you find professionally removed promptly.
- Look for signs of droppings and call a pest control professional if necessary.
For more information about preventing allergy symptoms or to schedule an appointment with an expert allergist, call North Alabama ENT Associates today.