Spring allergy season is here, and with it comes pollen and other allergens that can get trapped in your home and cause sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. You can help minimize the effects of home allergens by following these simple and effective tips from Gainesville Mini Maid.
Living Room:
Your living room, or “family room”, is where you likely spend the most time relaxing with your loved ones. Unfortunately, dust mites also seem to love lounging on the couch! They will find their way into your favorite furniture, lay eggs and leave droppings and sheddings that can cause allergic reactions. Because fabric-based materials tend to accommodate the most allergens, consider avoiding heavy curtains, extra-thick carpeting and cushy furniture.
Other things you can do to minimize home allergens include:
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Invest in washable throw rugs.
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Purchase easy-to-clean blinds and wash and dry curtains once a month.
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If you have carpeted floors, vacuum them at least once a week.
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Wipe down walls, baseboards and other surfaces once a week to avoid the accumulation of allergens.
Air Filtration
Because they are so miniscule, allergens are able to ease their way into the open air of spaces around your house. Having a well-ventilated home is a vital way of preventing mold spores, dust mites and pollen from invading your living area.
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Choose an air filter that has a small-particle or HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter for your central air system.
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Replace filters every 4 to 6 weeks.
Bathroom
Warm, damp areas are a mold’s playground. You can often
find it lurking under the bathroom sink, as well as in the shower and on shower doors, towels, floor, mats and tiles. To help reduce mold, you can:
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Fix any leaky pipes under the sink, in the shower/tub and behind the toilet to cut down on stagnant water that promotes mold.
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Turn on the fan/vent when showering to keep air circulating.
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Wash towels, bath towels and floor mats weekly.
Remove Clutter
The less extra junk you have in your house, the fewer places allergens have to hide. Plus, eliminating unnecessary items in your house will make your life easier because you won’t have as much to clean!
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Rid yourself of old papers, boxes, clothes, towels or other unused items.
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Keep your bedroom as free of clutter as possible, as both you and allergens spend the most time there.
We hope these tips prove helpful to you this spring season! Call the professionals at Mini Maid to help you maintain a tidy home year-round
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