By RMHP
Spring is just around the corner on the Western Slope, bringing new flowers, blue skies, and possibly some seasonal allergies.
If you dread spring because it means your itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and constant sneezing return in time for April showers, see if deep cleaning your home can help make a difference. Here are five tips to help you keep that seasonal asthma and allergies at bay.
Don’t let the task scare you if you’ve never changed an air filter. The whole process takes about ten minutes, and having a clean filter can seriously reduce your seasonal allergies because those filters are what purify the air in your home.
In case you aren’t sure how to change an air filter, there are plenty of resources available online that can walk you through the process for your home’s specific air conditioner.
Taking down your drapes, washing them, and hanging them back up can feel like a lot of work, but it’s worth it if you’re able to cut down on the dust within the curtains.
Plan to wash your window coverings at least twice per year: once for spring cleaning and once in the autumn.
Many popular cleaning products use chemicals that can cause your seasonal allergies to flare up. Fortunately, there are plenty of hypoallergenic cleaning products available today, and some people even make their own DIY natural cleaning products at home.
No matter which cleaners you choose, switching to more asthma-friendly products can save you from a lot of misery this spring.
Chances are you didn’t use your ceiling fan much over the winter, which means there’s a layer of dust and grime on it now that can irritate your seasonal allergies. To avoid a sneeze attack the first time you use your fan during warmer weather, get rid of accumulated dust by thoroughly cleaning both sides of each fan blade.
Your home’s windows are a direct link to the outside world, and all of its allergens. Fortunately, you can “Allergy-proof” your windows.
Windows gather dust, especially windowsills, which can create the perfect environment for dust mites. Use a damp cloth to wipe down windows and windowsills, preferably weekly. As a bonus, clean windows mean better light, which is healthy for your eyes. As seasonal allergies turn your eyes red and itchy, a clean window can help more than you think.