Five steps to reduce allergens in your home this pollen season

Five steps to reduce allergens in your home this pollen season

It’s allergy season again – take these five simple steps to help rid your home of the allergens that cause your itchy, watery eyes, dripping nose and itchy skin. 1. Remove plants from your home If you have a mold allergy, you’ll need to find a new home for your potted plants. If you can’t bear to lose them, spread fine gravel over the dirt to help contain the mold (the kind used in aquariums is ideal). 2. Flooring Hardwood or laminate flooring is ideal as it does not trap the dust that can build up to cause your allergy symptoms. If you can’t go as far as changing your carpets, shampoo and steam clean them at the beginning and end of every pollen season and vacuum weekly with a vacuum cleaner that has a small particle or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Don’t forget the above steps for any area rugs and mats! 3. Furniture and curtains Vacuum and steam-clean your soft furnishings like couches and chair cushions. Wash curtains regularly and wipe down horizontal blinds. In the long-term, consider replacing upholstered furniture with wood or plastic, and make sure all the curtains and blinds in your home are machine washable. 4. Windows Prevent condensation turning into mold and mildew by installing extractor fans into bathrooms and kitchens. Every week, wipe window frames with vinegar to clean mold away and prevent it re-forming. Keep the windows closed during pollen season – you will have to rely on air conditioning during the hottest times. Consider installing a small air filter if you find pollen still gets into your home. 5. Bed and bedding Use dust-mite-proof covers on pillows, mattresses and box springs. Wash sheets, pillowcases and blankets at least once a week in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit/ 54 degrees Celsius. Try to choose hypoallergenic bedding made of synthetic materials. Goldstar Cleaning Services A Goldstar cleaning team can deep-clean your home in a few hours, making it much easier for you to keep the dust and mold levels down for the rest of the pollen season. Call 250-423-4029 to arrange an individual quote.