When seasonal allergies roll around, we tend to minimize the response to allergens by doing our best to avoid them. But what if the allergens are in our homes? Studies have shown that maintaining consistent routines around keeping your home clean can help reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.
Common Allergens
Environmental allergens can affect anyone and can occur when elements in the environment cause your immune system to overreact. Symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and nose, fatigue, headache and congestion.
Allergens in the home can include:
- Pollen
- Mold
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
- Cockroaches
- Smoke and dust
Creating a routine to clean certain areas in the home can help minimize those symptoms. So, stock up on organic cleaning supplies from Treebird Market and spend time in these areas in your home to minimize allergic reactions.
Areas to Clean
Each area of your home offers an opportunity to hide allergens. For each room, consider the following:
- Kitchen: In the kitchen, regularly use the overhead fan to avoid moisture build-up. Store all foods in air-tight containers to avoid mold and store trash and compost in insect-safe containers. Mop the floors and wipe cabinets, appliances and backsplashes. Clean all areas where moisture build-up could occur to avoid mold growth. Seasonally, clean interiors of cupboards and drawers. Cleaning these areas can assist with avoiding cockroaches, mold, pet dander, dust and other allergens.
- Living rooms: Regularly wash bedding and linens. Wash rugs, floor mats and mop hard surfaces weekly. Clear condensation from window frames and sills to avoid mold. Dust regularly and clear dust-collecting items such as books behind closed doors or in bins. Bathing pets twice a month and keeping them from furniture or bedrooms could also help to reduce pet dander allergens.
- Bathroom: In the bathroom, towel-dry the tub after use. Quickly clean or replace moldy shower curtains or bathmats. Remove carpeting and wallpaper and use water-resistant paints and washable rugs in the bathroom.
- Basement: Basements can harbor moisture, mold, dust and rodents or insects. Wear a mask when cleaning in the basement if cleaning up after rodents or mold. A humidifier will help with dampness to avoid mold and mildew growth.
Routine cleaning will help promote overall well-being and the avoidance of illness, not just assist with avoiding allergens. If you or someone in your family is having allergy symptoms, following some of these cleaning tactics could be a good place to start. To learn more about potential allergens, contact Lake Jackson ENT & Med Spa.
