When you struggle with allergies, it could be the most exhausting battle. It’s outside in the spring, it’s inside in the cooler months, or it’s just everywhere you go. Yes, you could stock up on allergy medication or avoid the places where you get attacks the most, but who wants to restrict their life like that? Especially when your home could be the most dangerous place. Here are some tips on how to allergy-proof your home. For professional carpet cleaning to duct cleaning, contact your local carpet cleaning service, Steam Master Cleaning.
What Are You Allergic To?
Before you do anything drastic in your home, it’s important to find out what you’re fighting against. Don’t avoid getting a cat if you aren’t sure whether or not you’re allergic to them. Typically, most people are allergic to dust mites, mold, pollens, and pet dander, but you can visit a specialist to determine what you actually are allergic to.
Keep it Outside
One of the ways in which allergens find their way into your home is through the front door on people’s shoes. You may already have one doormat either inside or outside of your home to keep piles of dirt from accumulating. But try placing one mat on the outside and one inside. This will allow allergens two surfaces to get past before they come inside. If that doesn’t seem to help, try asking guests to leave shoes outside.
Upgrade Your Vacuum
When your vacuum gets older, it might seem to be spreading more dirt around than it is picking up dirt. If you begin to notice musty smells when you vacuum, consider an upgrade. Anyone with allergies should use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. These filters will trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, or a majority of allergens. Try to vacuum once a week to keep allergens at bay.
Change the Air Filters
A common question homeowners ask is, “How often should the air filters be changed?” Depending on if you have pets or not and how often you are at home, it could range from every month to every 12 months. Typically, if you live with pets and have allergies, the air filters should be changed fairly frequently. If you live without a pet, it will be less often. Take look at the filter every so often, and when they are looking dirty, replace them. Keep in mind that more expensive filters will not need to be replaced as often. You can follow the directions on the specific filter you do purchase.
Replace the Drapes
Remove drapes and replace them with blinds or shades because they will trap fewer allergens in them and let the air filter do the job. If you can’t imagine getting rid of the drapes, have them professionally cleaned to freshen them up and then vacuum with a brush attachment once a week. If the material allows, wash them at home every six weeks or so.
Carpet Cleaning
Vacuuming once a week will work to keep allergens that are on the surface at bay, but for a deep clean, consider a carpet cleaning service. A professional carpet cleaning can do wonders to the health of the carpet itself by loosening and freshening the fibers, but by sucking out dust mites, pollen, and dander, these allergens will be removed as well. A steam clean will be much more effective than using your vacuum, even with a HEPA filter.
Don’t put up with allergies any longer. Follow these tips for a cleaner and safer home that you feel comfortable in. Even simple steps can make a big impact in the air quality of your home. Call Steam Master Cleaning in San Antonio today for a professional carpet cleaning service. Your nose and eyes will thank you.