Cleaning Tips to Make AllergyFree Home for Your Kids

If you have a kid that suffers from allergies, then you know how stressful that can be for the whole family. To help reduce symptoms it is important to reduce allergens in your environment, and especially in your home. Here are some cleaning tips to create an allergen-free home for your kids and yourself.

Make everything washable

You want to be able to throw as much in the washing machine or dishwasher as you can. Use washable curtains, washable roller blinds, and proper materials. This means you should trade in complicated woven fabrics that are safe havens for dust with leather, plastic, metal or wood. All your throw pillows and fabric decorations should be able to go into the washing machine. A good rule of thumb is that everything in your house should be able to go in the washing machine or wiped down with a wet rag.

Create a Regular Cleaning Regimen

Having everything in the home washable won’t matter one bit if you don’t ever wash them. Create a routine in which you wash or dust everything once a week. This means bed sheets, pillow cases, curtains and pillows should all have their day in the washing machine. Tables, wall decorations and leather couches should be dusted properly once a week as well.


Attribution: Flickr - moppet65535

Reduce Mold

Mold is one of the most aggravating allergens and is usually found in the kitchen or bathroom. Wash dishes daily and don’t let anything sit out in the sink too long. Thoroughly wash the kitchen sink daily as well. Clean out the fridge and freezer weekly to make sure no food goes bad and to wipe up any possible spills.

Clean your bathroom at least once a week, washing all the mold and mildew off the sink, bathtub and toilet. To get rid of mold in your home The Mayo clinic recommends removing mold-attracting wall paper and replacing it with tiles. In both the bathroom and the kitchen, proper ventilation is important, so make sure to install fans in all these rooms.

Windows

Keeping windows open to enjoy the fresh breeze may sound relaxing until you begin sneezing. Especially during allergy season, keep doors and windows shut and use an air conditioning system instead. Make sure all the filters are clean and wash all the vents, especially the intake, regularly. If dust is traveling through your air conditioning it won’t matter what else is clean, you’ll breathe allergens in the air.

Pets

If you are a pet person, even with the allergies, keep the pet out of the bedroom. Give them their own bed to sleep in and wash it regularly. Don’t give your pet stuffed animal toys that collect dust and pet dander, but encourage your pet to play with rubber toys instead and wash them off regularly.


Attribution: Flickr - Adams999

Flooring

When possible, replace carpeting with hardwood or tile and mop weekly. If you prefer carpets, you should make sure to vacuum clean them once in a few days with an efficient vacuum with a HEPA filter . Hiring professional cleaners who use steam cleaning to get rid of dirt, bacteria and stains from your carpet is also a good idea.

Removing all allergens from your home can be a lot of work, but it's not impossible. As you establish a regular routine it will become easier. When you reap the benefits of your hard work, your home will become a safe haven away from the allergens and you and your children will be able to breathe easily in the clean space you have now created for your family.

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