When we think of a clean house, we usually think of the floors, kitchen countertops, and toilets. Still, allergens can gather in less obvious places that regular cleaning misses.
If you have asthma or allergies, these hidden places could worsen your symptoms.
In this guide, we’ll examine a few of these often-overlooked places and give you tips on how to make them allergy-friendly.
Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
Fixtures and ceiling fans are often the last things people think about when they clean, even though they can gather dust and germs. Simply turning on the fan releases these particles into the air, which raises the risk of allergic reactions like stuffy nose, watery eyes, and breathing problems.
Cleaning Tip:
To clean the fixings and blades regularly, use a cotton cloth or a duster with a long handle. Microfiber cloths work well because they catch dust instead of just moving it around.
Use a damp towel and gentle soap to wipe down the blades and parts and clean them thoroughly. Please turn off the fan to ensure the blades are completely dry before turning it back on. This way, dust won’t stick to the wet surfaces.
If you can’t reach your light fixtures, use an extension duster made for cleaning high places. Regular maintenance is required to get rid of asthma and dust mites.
Curtains and Blinds
Curtains and blinds gather the most dust. When dust mites, pet dander, and pollen stick to these surfaces, they can cause allergies and bad air quality inside.
Cleaning Tip:
The suggested interval between washing curtains is three to six months, or more often if you have pets. Read the tag to find out how to clean it. Some curtains need to be dry cleaned, but others can be washed in the washing machine.
You can clean each blind slat with a damp cloth or the brush tool on a vacuum cleaner. It is essential to clean both sides of the slats. To clean them better, take the blinds off and wash them in the toilet with a mild soap and water solution.
Getting washable shades would make cleaning the windows a breeze. Different types of blinds tend to gather dust more than wood or metal ones.
Under Furniture
Allergens that you can’t see, like pet hair, dust, and other junk, can be hiding under your furniture. These areas are usually not cleaned during the regular cleaning process because they are not visible. On the other hand, allergens can build up and hurt your health if you don’t clean them.
Cleaning Tip:
Move the furniture around to vacuum or sweep under it every so often. If your pet sheds a lot, you must do this more often than once every few months.
Use a cleaner tool for gaps to clean places that are hard to get to. This extension will help you clean areas that are hard to reach with your regular vacuum head.
Furniture slides can help you move heavy pieces with less effort. Putting these sliders under the legs of your furniture will make it easy to move.
Air Vents and Filters
If you don’t clean your air vents and screens often, they could become a source of allergens, which is terrible for the air quality inside your home. If dust, pollen, and pet hair build up in the ducts, they spread allergens like these all over the house.
Cleaning Tip:
Every few weeks, clean the dust out of the air vents by cleaning them. Clean the air grilles by removing dust with the brush adapter.
Most makers recommend changing the air filter every one to three months. Keeping the filter clean will improve the economy and quality of the air in your home’s HVAC system.
If you have allergies, you should get a HEPA filter. Higher-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) screens can catch particles much smaller than standard filters.
Bedding and Mattresses
Due to their preference for warm, humid environments, dust mites settle inside mattresses and bedding. No matter how regularly you change your linens, allergens can still find their way into your bed, pillows, and other bedroom items.
Cleaning Tip:
Wash blankets, sheets, and pillowcases in hot water once a week. Hot water (at least 130°F) effectively kills dust mites and allergies.
Invest in allergy-proof mattresses and pillow covers. These guards prevent dust mites from entering your bed by acting as a barrier.
Thoroughly clean your mattress once every few months, and consider investing in a mattress cover. Wash your mattress protector often to prevent allergies.
Combat Allergens in Your Home with Seasonal Cleaning Insights from AmeriStar Maids
Cleaning a home involves more than what is immediately apparent. Cleaning these sometimes overlooked locations can significantly reduce the number of allergies in your home and provide your family with a healthier environment.
If you want a professional cleaning service, consider AmeriStar Maids. Our experienced staff can help you make your home allergy-free and spotless.
To schedule your cleaning, visit AmeriStar Maids, call (570) 310-1057, or email us at info@ameristarmaids.com.