By Sharon Omahen


University of Georgia

Springtime has become synonymous with cleaning time, but if
you’re an allergy sufferer, you shouldn’t wait until spring to
thoroughly clean your home.

“Cleaning on a regular basis in a thorough manner may reduce
the numbers of allergens in the home,” said Jorge Atiles, a housing
specialist with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Service. “You can keep allergens in your home to a minimum by
maintaining cleanliness year-round.”

Set a weekly cleaning schedule

Atiles suggests creating a weekly cleaning plan and sticking to
it. For example, on Mondays, clean the bedroom thoroughly and on
Tuesdays, wash all bedding, and on Wednesdays wet mop the floors.

“For your allergies’ sakes, take time everyday to maintain a
clean home,” Atiles said. “Even if just have five minutes to
spare.”

You can reduce allergens in your home by removing dust, dust
mites and mold. To remove accumulated dust and dust mites, cut
down on clutter in your home and reduce relative humidity
(moisture levels)indoors
to under 50 percent.

“Allergens can accumulate in clutter as well as on your
upholstery and carpeting,” he said.

Vacuum all upholstery and carpeting with a HEPA filter vacuum
weekly and consider having them professionally cleaned once or
twice a year, as well.

“If your allergies are severe, you may want to consider replacing
your carpeting with wood, vinyl or linoleum flooring,” Atiles
said.

Also clean window treatments, dust blinds, and remove and wash
curtains, if possible. Regularly clean fan blades, light
fixtures, ceilings, walls and vents to remove dust.

Control moisture to fight mold

And don’t forget to fight mold, too.

“Mold is ubiquitous in the environment, and it is extremely
difficult to remove all molds from an indoor environment,”
Atiles said. “But you can control moisture to aid in the elimination
of mold growth.”

To fight mold, eliminate moisture sources such as dripping
faucets, puddles of water and wet bathmats. Use a squeegee after
bathing to remove water from shower walls and bathtubs.

Make sure there is adequate ventilation while cooking and
bathing to reduce moisture build-up. Remove mold and mildew from
surfaces
using cleaners designed specifically for the job.

Once surfaces covered with mold and mildew have been cleaned,
Atiles recommends cleaning them once or twice per week.