We spend a lot of time inside during the cold winter months. While it’s cozy to curl up on the couch with a good book, all that indoor time can expose you to a built-up amount of dust, pet dander and even mold. If you’re part of the more than 106 million people in the U.S. with allergies, all those substances can cause uncomfortable symptoms.
This spring, consider taking some time to clear out those built-up allergens for a season of easy breathing.
Dust Cleaning Tips
Do the following to create a dust-free home:
- Sweep, mop and vacuum floors (pay extra attention to under any furniture)
- Dust bookshelves, coffee tables, TV stands, ceiling fans, picture frames and non-fabric curtains
- Wipe down wide-leaf plants with a soft glove, rag or paper towel
- Go through your closet and donate anything you don’t need
- Wipe down all hard surface children’s toys
- Change your air filters
Pet Dander Cleaning Tips
In addition to all the above dust cleaning steps, do the following to rid your home of pet dander:
- Grab a lint roller from Treats Unleased and run it across all your furniture, bedding and carpeting
- Bathe and brush your pets
- Go over any carpeting with a pet hair-specific vacuum
Mold Cleaning Tips
It’s best to ward off mold before it has a chance to grow, but it can be hard to spot those beginning spores soon enough, especially in snowy Missouri winters. Try the following to prevent mold growth:
- Run a dehumidifier in the basement and other rooms with limited air flow
- Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during and after cooking and showering
- Wipe condensation off windows regularly
- Clean your kitchen sink, bathroom sink and bathtub regularly, paying extra attention to the caulking around them
If you notice mold growth, you can remove it with undiluted white vinegar. Wear gloves and wipe the mold off with a soft cloth, rinsing the cloth often. The more frequently you remove mold growth, the less it will accumulate. You might find mold hiding in areas where moisture accumulates, including your windowsills, around your bathroom, in or around the kitchen sink, in the refrigerator, on the inside or outside of your trash cans, in the garage or in any part of the basement.
Because mold creates a potential health risk, you should wear a mask when cleaning it or hire a professional for widespread areas. Mold growing on unfinished surfaces, like raw wood or drywall, may go deeper than it appears. When in doubt, hire a professional to perform an inspection.
Schedule an Allergy Appointment
For more tips on spring cleaning your way to an allergy-free home, or to find out which substance is causing your symptoms, contact Midwest ENT Centre today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.