A clean home not only looks good, but it feels good — particularly for allergy sufferers. If you’re wondering how to practice allergy prevention and allergy-proof your home, the answer is simple. Regular cleaning, as well as periodic deep cleaning and simple home maintenance, will help you live, sleep and breathe easier.
Deep Cleaning: How to Practice Allergy Prevention in Your Home
Allergy Prevention in the Bedroom and Living Room
We spend approximately one-third of our lives asleep and clock a lot of time on the couch. Unfortunately, bedding, furniture, carpet and even household items can accumulate allergens and impact relaxation. To keep allergens under control in the bedroom and living room, try these deep cleaning tips [link to article A3: Daily and Weekly Allergy Tips]:
- Use allergen -barrier bedding and zippered dust mite covers on all pillows, mattresses and box springs. Consider washable slipcovers for upholstered furniture.
- A simple way to practice allergy prevention is to wash pillowcases, sheets and blankets in 130°F water every week to help reduce dust mites and pet dander .
- Reduce clutter by removing and donating unused items that collect dust, like books, knickknacks, and unworn clothes.
- Cardboard holds moisture and is a food source for mold , so store clothes that won’t be used in zippered bags or plastic tubs.
- Be sure to check any indoor plants for possible bug infestations. These pests won’t just destroy your plants but may also trigger an allergic reaction.
- When it comes to allergy prevention, don’t forget your pets. Wash your pet’s bed [link to article A5: Managing Pet Allergies] and pay special attention to their favorite spots to curl up. For example, clean the windowsills if that’s where your cat likes to perch.
- Put stuffed animals in the dryer for at least one hour on the hot temperature setting to help reduce dust mites
- Use a damp cloth to clean all surfaces regularly. Don’t use a dry cloth or feather duster because they can stir up dust mites [link to article A4: The Dirt on Dust Mites].
- Vacuum carpet and upholstery weekly. And be sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap allergens that can pass through the vacuum’s exhaust.
Deep Cleaning the Bathroom
Mold spores thrive in warm, damp spaces like bathrooms, and removing them is an important step in allergy prevention. To help reduce these annoying allergens, follow these quick tips when cleaning the bathroom:
- Scrub any visible mold with a cleaning solution made specifically for mold removal and dry the surface completely.
- Scour away soap scum that can build up on tiles and shower doors. It serves as a breeding ground for mold.
- Check and fix leaky pipes under the sink, in the shower and tub, and behind the toilet.
- Wipe away puddles of water right away on sinks, counters, windowsills and other surfaces.
- Regularly wash shower curtains, bathmats and other cloth items in the bathroom that hold moisture and feed mold
- Keep window curtains open to let sunlight in, as mold prefers dark spaces.
Allergy Relief from Loratadine (Claritin®)
Still feeling allergy symptoms? Loratadine (Claritin®) is here to help relieve symptoms with a less-drowsy formula vs. cetirizine1, so you can make the most of your day and get more done around the house. It works in as fast as 15 minutes in blocking histamine receptors2 and provides up to 24-hour relief1 so that you feel the clarity all day long.
Keep your Loratadine (Claritin®) handy when doing any cleaning chores around the house in case you feel like your allergies are getting triggered. It’s available in different formats for adults and children – to help you and your loved ones enjoy an allergy-free day!
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. Individual responses may vary.
ASC Ref. No. B072N072721CS
L.PH.MKT.CC.05.2021.1008
REFERENCES
- Haria, M et al. “Loratadine. A reappraisal of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic use in allergic disorders.” Drugs vol. 48,4 (1994): 617-37. doi:10.2165/00003495-199448040-00009
- Roman LS. Onset of action of loratadine in seasonal allergic rhinitis . Today's Therapeutic Trends. 1988;6(2): 19-27.
