For allergy sufferers, spring-cleaning is more than just a celebrated ritual: It's an effective tool to fight allergies. In fact, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 67 percent of allergy sufferers clean their homes to try to cut down on the amount of allergy symptoms.
Controlling your allergies does begin in the home, but to really make a difference in your sneezing and wheezing, you need to make sure that you target the right areas and clean them properly. Check out our six tips to help you combat dust mites, pet dander and mold this spring.
1) Vacuum your carpet thoroughly with a double-bag or HEPA vacuum. The key word is thoroughly, which means moving the furniture and/or getting under it. Wash any throw rugs and vacuum your hardwood as well.
2) Vacuum your furniture, including sofas, chairs and draperies. Remember that a quick sweep actually can do more harm than good because it just stirs up the dust mites, instead of killing them.
3) De-clutter your house. Clutter is where dust collects — and then hides, waiting for just the right moment to swish into the air and to cause you to have a sneezing fit. If you really like that "lived-in" look, consider at least keeping your bedroom clutter free.
4) Wash your sheets every week in at least 130-degree water. Take this opportunity to wash other bedding (duvet covers/quilts, pillow shams, dust ruffles), and consider putting your mattress and box springs in special allergy-proof cases, which can reduce dust mites.
5) Mold spores are just as troublesome as pollen. Clean any moldy surfaces, such as shower corners and under the sink. Use 5 percent bleach mixed with water and a small amount of detergent.
6) Wash (and bleach, if possible) your shower curtain to kill mildew. Also, wash your bath mat (monthly) in hot water.
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