Allergy season seems to intensify each year! As tree and grass pollen counts rise, you might be wondering, ‘how can I eliminate allergens from my home?’

Spring can be particularly challenging, with fluctuating pollen counts and unpredictable weather.

For those with allergies, shielding yourself from dust, mold, smoke, pet hair, and pollen can feel overwhelming.

While you can’t control the outdoors, you can reduce the number of allergens in your home. You have more control than you think in combating sneezing, runny noses, and watery eyes!

COMPREHENSIVE ALLERGEN REMOVAL

To eliminate indoor allergens, clean each room from top to bottom. Start with higher surfaces and work your way down to the floor.

Use a vacuum cleaner on all surfaces, including lampshades and curtains. For optimal results, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which is designed to trap tiny allergy-inducing particles like pollen, dust, and pet dander.

Then, use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to remove any remaining particles from your surfaces. This ensures that particles stick to the cloth rather than becoming airborne.

TARGETING SPECIFIC ALLERGENS

Certain allergens require special attention. For example:

PET HAIR

If you have a furry companion, you’re likely to experience some allergy symptoms. Pet dander is easily inhaled and settles on surfaces. Pets also bring outdoor allergens into the house on their paws and fur.

When possible, brush your pet outside before they enter the house. This helps prevent allergens trapped in their fur from entering your home.

Regularly vacuum your surfaces, especially in the living room and bedrooms. Use a lint roller to remove fur from clothing before washing. If you don’t have a lint roller, wrap tape around your hand, sticky side out, and dab at the hairy surfaces.

For homes with pets, certain flooring types are better, but if you can’t replace your flooring, a carpet rake is useful. It can remove hair trapped deep within carpet fibers, even on stairs.

Top tip: sprinkle baking soda on hairy carpets and leave it for 5 minutes before vacuuming. This makes the hair easier to remove.

DUST

Dust consists of bacteria, smoke, dirt, skin particles, pollen, and pet hair. Dust particles can accumulate everywhere, making it difficult for allergy sufferers indoors.

If dust triggers your symptoms, clean your home regularly with a vacuum and damp cloth. To further allergy-proof your home, consider these steps:

Identify Dust Magnets

Recognize the areas in your home that collect the most dust. Electronics like televisions, computers, and speakers attract dust due to static electricity. Door frames and skirting boards are also common dust collectors.

Regularly Change Your Sheets

Washing your bedding frequently helps create an allergy-friendly sleeping environment. Dust mites and pet dander can settle on bed sheets, causing allergic reactions. Vacuum your mattress to remove hair, and wash the sheets at a high temperature to kill dust mites. If possible, dry the sheets indoors to prevent pollen from entering the house.

Clean Upholstery Regularly

Vacuum fabric surfaces frequently and wash your curtains if possible. Hair, skin, and dust mites can accumulate on high-traffic surfaces like beds and sofas. During high-allergy seasons, consider covering your sofa with a throw or large sheet that can be easily washed.

Invest in an Air Purifier

An air purifier helps remove allergens from the air, improving indoor air quality. It traps ultra-fine particles like dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander, keeping the air inside your home fresher and less likely to trigger allergic reactions. This is especially beneficial for people with asthma and allergies.

MOLD AND MILDEW

Mold thrives in warm, damp environments, making bathrooms and kitchens prime locations for growth.

Even mild mold cases can cause breathing issues and allergic reactions. If left untreated, mold can become dangerous.

Ensure you have a working fan in the kitchen and bathroom to remove misty air. Ceiling fans in living areas can also help maintain good airflow throughout your home.

To prevent mold growth, minimize moisture and humidity. Keep all rooms well-ventilated, especially when cleaning carpets or air-drying laundry. Wipe wet surfaces immediately, including:

• Condensation on windows and ledges
• Shower walls, bathroom mirrors, and wet bathroom surfaces
• Any wet surfaces in the house

To effectively remove mold, use specialized mold-cleaning products as instructed on the packaging. General cleaning products are not sufficient. Note that cleaning mold is not a permanent solution; addressing the root cause is necessary to prevent regrowth. If mold changes color or spreads over an area larger than 1m², consult professionals.

MAINTAINING AN ALLERGEN-FREE HOME

Allergens are easier to manage if you take consistent preventative steps. You can allergy-proof individual rooms and limit allergens from entering your home.

STOP ALLERGENS AT THE DOOR

Leave shoes and coats at the door and regularly vacuum the entrance of your home. This prevents allergen-dense air from spreading throughout your home. Place a doormat outside to wipe your shoes on before entering, reducing the amount of pollen brought inside.

IMPROVE VENTILATION

Improving ventilation can be tricky if you need to open windows, as it allows pollen particles to enter. However, fresh air helps eliminate lingering allergens and prevent mold growth. If you can’t open windows, use a fan or invest in a quality air filter or purifier.

USE FRAGRANCE-FREE PRODUCTS

Scented products can trigger allergic reactions. Opt for non-bio and fragrance-free cleaning products to minimize reactions caused by cleaning.

CALLING IN PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICES

If the idea of deep cleaning during allergy season feels overwhelming, professional cleaning services can help.

FPPL Services Ltd specializes in deep cleaning, including carpet and upholstery cleaning, and mold removal in Manchester.

Get in touch or request a quote today.