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9 easy cleaning tips to allergy-proof your home

Photo credit: heshphoto - Getty Images
Photo credit: heshphoto - Getty Images

From House Beautiful

Most household dust comes from barely-visible fabric fibres and flakes of skin, but how do you minimise its presence in your home?

Whether you're looking to reduce allergy-triggering dust, or want tips on how to get rid of pollen and pet hairs at home, there are many fuss-free ways to do so — and some don't even involve cleaning.

'Studies have shown that over half of the indoor dust that accumulates in our home is actually produced outside and brought in with us,' says Lisa Evans, a spokesperson from My Job Quote.

'Pollen isn't the only allergen that can set off hay fever, indoor allergens such as dust mites, dead skin and animal fur can cause an allergic response too. As a result, cleaning dust from your home can help relieve symptoms and make the spring and summer months more bearable.'

On the hunt for cleaning jobs to help your allergies? Lisa shares her advice on how to eliminate dust and dirt...

1. Get your hands on an air purifier

While they are a more expensive option, air purifiers work by trapping a high percentage of airborne particles and dust around the home. As well as removing the amount of dust which is produced, purifiers can even help to reduce levels of pollen, smoke oder and pet dander, too – which is great news if you're struggling with allergies.

2. Vacuum your home often

Another simple way to eliminate dust and dirt from your home is to vacuum regularly, especially if you have a thick wool-blend carpet. Lisa says: 'Vacuuming regularly can dislodge any dust from your flooring and avoids any dust build-up. Changing carpets to hard flooring can be a great help in stopping dust collection too.'

A few simple sweeps of the vacuum can also get rid of dirt and unwanted grime that has woven its way into your carpet. If you do suffer with severe allergies, however, experts recommend that you opt for carpet-less rooms.

3. Mopping your floors

If you have laminate, wooden or stone flooring in your home, try to mop it throughly once a week to remove layers of built-up dirt. Some busier rooms, such as kitchens or bathrooms, may need mopping more often, particularly if they are shared by more people.

Our floors harbour much more germs than we think – even if we can't see them. Mopping not only reduces allergies, but it also helps to bring back the floor's shine, too, making them look as good as new.

'We would suggest using warm water with a splash of vinegar to mop efficiently,' adds Lisa.

Photo credit: Witthaya Prasongsin - Getty Images
Photo credit: Witthaya Prasongsin - Getty Images

4. Opt for non-toxic cleaning products

'Toxic cleaning products create airborne particles that encourage dust. When purchasing cleaning items, check the labels to ensure they're non-toxic as it can definitely help out,' adds Lisa.

When purchasing cleaning products, opt for organic all-natural options to keep both your home and air clean. Alternatively, an old-fashioned cloth and water works wonders too, as a study last year found.

5. Cleaning out clutter in your home

Having a deep spring declutter? Dust can accumulate on untouched belongings, so having a regular clear-out can help to create a dust-free environment at home.

Why not organise through your drawers, shelves and boxes in the loft, and see what you can donate to others? Not only will help to boost your mood and clear your space, but it will also eliminate dust levels.

6. Sealing windows and doors

As well as keeping dust out, sealing your windows and doors can also help to lower your energy bills by keeping drafts out.

'Minimising particles entering your home by sealing windows and doors correctly can help prevent dust from appearing,' says Lisa. 'Any cracks in walls and ceilings also need to be filled in order to reduce the likelihood of dust building up'

Not sure where to start? You can seal your own windows and doors using a shop-bought sealant, or, alternatively, seek a professional to help you out.

7. Get a door mat – and ask people to take their shoes off

It seems like an incredibly simple thing to do, but by placing a door mat at the entry points of your home can help to minimise the dirt coming into your home. 'Keeping out debris from the outside is near impossible - but you can reduce it,' says Lisa.

Elsewhere, don't be afraid to ask people to remove their shoes before entering your home. Outdoor muck and grime can easily spread around the house on the soles of shoes, so it's much better to ask people to remove them to begin with.

8. Clean your bedsheets and mattress regularly

Changing your bedsheets regularly is vital, as this is a hotspot for dust and dust mites. Try to change your sheets once a week to ensure your bed stays clean and dust-free. If you suffer from severe allergies, you may need to change these more than once a week.

Top tip: hang the inside of your duvet outside on a washing line to freshen it up. This will help to remove dust and air it out.

As well as this, it's also important to clean your mattress. You can do this simply by removing the cover, sprinkling some bicarbonate of soda on top and vacuuming it off. The experts recommend you do this every six months.

Photo credit: Marnie Burkhart - Getty Images
Photo credit: Marnie Burkhart - Getty Images

9. Give your home a thorough dust

Dusting your home regularly will also help to eliminate the build-up of dust in the home. Lisa suggests: 'Using a damp sponge or cloth can stop dispersing dust particles into the air. A vacuum attachment can be used on hard to reach areas too, such as skirting boards.

Alternatively, you can also get your hands on affordable microfibre washable clothes, which work wonders for collecting dirt and grime on surfaces.

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