It can be difficult to get the household chores completed when you suffer from allergies that are triggered by indoor allergens. Vacuuming and dusting the home can be particularly difficult tasks to undertake, especially if you are asthmatic.
As a result, it can be difficult for asthmatics and allergy sufferers to not only get the cleaning done, but also know where to start due to the number of triggers. However, by following these four easy tips, you are sure to find the tasks a lot easier, but also less triggering in terms of allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
#1 Vacuum Regularly
You should try to be vacuuming your home at least twice a week to pick up potential allergens and keep them out of your home. Of course, if your allergies are particularly bad, you may benefit from vacuuming once a day instead – this can keep the home incredibly clean when it comes to nasty triggers. If it’s dusty, we recommend you wear a mask over your mouth and nose.
If you suffer from allergies and can’t get someone to do the vacuuming for you, you should invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter. These catch even the smallest allergens and prevent them from being pushed out of the back vents along with the air. It’s a key filter to have, and most brands carry a vacuum with this kind of filter – or sometimes an even better one.
#2 Clean the Doormats
It’s actually quite surprising how many allergens from outdoor and indoor can be collected on interior and exterior mats (around 80%!). After all, you pick up a lot of interesting debris on your shoes while you are out. Place a doormat outside and inside of each door to trap as many allergens as possible.
Twice a week, or more if you have multiple guests to your home, you should take the mat and shake it out, then follow it up with a quick vacuum. By doing this, you can reduce the number of allergens in your home by up to 85%. This is great for those who suffer from outdoor allergies, as well as those triggered by indoor ones.
#3 The Bathroom
The bathroom is a frequently ignored part of the house, but it can harbour a great deal of indoor allergy triggers (and asthma ones), namely in the form of mould. If you do not have a dehumidifier or ventilate your bathroom after a shower, mould will begin to grow even after a short period of time. This can have horrible repercussions for those with asthma.
Your bathroom should be ventilated and washed frequently to prevent the growth and build-up of mould. Washable bathmats and rugs should be used, and subsequently washed several times a week to keep them clean and free of mould. Keep the shower walls washed, and ensure the shower curtain is washed several times a week as well.
#4 Dusting
Dusting is an essential part of keeping the indoor allergens away, but there is a certain technique you should use to keep the dust at bay and prevent it from spreading. When you go to dust a surface, always go from the top down to the bottom and never the other way around. This way, the dust is trapped and you can remove it without spreading it and causing you an allergic reaction. If you have a severe allergy or asthma, it is advised to wear a mask during this process.
To Conclude
Getting rid of allergens is not an easy task, and it can be really tricky for those with asthma or allergies triggered by indoor allergens. By following these important tips and tricks, you will be able to clean your home in a manner that is not only effective, but the least triggering for your allergies.
What did you think of these tips? Are there any you would add? We would love to hear from you in the comments!
About the Author
Gemma Tyler is a freelance writer and blogger. You can keep upto date by following Gemma on Twitter, Facebook & Pinterest. If you are interested in reading more of her vacuum and cleaning related content, be sure to check out her ultimate guides here .
