(Newswire.net — May 11, 2017) — The signs of spring are glorious, but each blooming flower and bright yellow dandelion is a harbinger of the horror that’s about to arrive — allergy season. Not only is it difficult to go outside without being assaulted by pollen from all sides, but all those allergens find their way into your home, as well, so that your safe space becomes a chamber of sneezes. Don’t sit back and watch spring fade into summer while you wipe your red eyes and blow your nose — you can get your home ready for allergy season before the first whiff of pollen plagues you.
Plan a Thorough Spring Cleaning
Image via Flickr by Rubbermaid Products
For anyone with allergies, spring cleaning is less about cleaning up the grit and grime of the long winter season and more about allergy-proofing the entire house. All the standard spring cleaning routines are still helpful, though. Sweep the floors with a broom, paying particular attention to corners, the areas behind doors, and the spaces beneath the furniture. Next, mop every hard surface. Finally, vacuum anywhere you possibly can. In addition to scrubbing the floors, wipe down the walls, banisters, wooden furniture or shelving, the windows, blinds, and any ceiling fans. Anywhere you spot dust, dirt, or dander, eliminate it.
Clean Out Your Duct Work
Before allergy season kicks in, go through the house and check out your heating and cooling grates, filters, and ducts. Layers of dirt and dust build up in those areas, especially after you’ve been using the heat all winter. Before you run fans or AC to combat the spring and summer swelter, you have to make sure you aren’t just blowing dust and pollen around your house. It’s not a bad idea to have an HVAC specialist inspect the duct work. Your cooling unit might need a new filter, or some of your ducts might need replacing.
Get the Windows Ready
Some folks advise you to open up your windows so the sunlight and fresh air can stream through your home. That’s a bad idea. While open windows encourage the flow of air through your home, you need to take precautions to keep pollen and other airborne allergens out of your clean, sanitized spaces. Your window screens should do the trick, but if you still find yourself sneezing and wiping your eyes, try adding a layer of magnetized screen mesh over your existing screens. Filmy, gauzy curtains, kept shut, can help as well.
Check for Mold
As you clean and test the problem areas around your home, add damp areas to your list. Any spot in your home that has a flow of water deserves a second look. You’re examining these areas for signs of mold. Take a look around the basement, especially near the washing machine. Look under the sinks in the kitchen and any bathroom. Check around the bathtubs, showers, and toilets, too. You can’t take any chances with mold.
On the days with a high pollen count, your home is your sanctuary, so do your best to kick out potential allergens. How do you prepare for allergy season?