Cleaning for Health: Reducing Allergens in Your Home

In the UK, approximately 1 in 4 people suffer from allergies at some point in their lives. For many, the home—a place meant to be a sanctuary—can actually be the source of significant allergen exposure. Dust mites, pet dander, mould spores, and pollen are common indoor allergens that can trigger symptoms ranging from mild irritation to severe respiratory distress. While complete elimination of allergens is nearly impossible, a strategic approach to cleaning can significantly reduce their presence and help allergy sufferers breathe easier.

Understanding Indoor Allergens

To effectively combat allergens, it's important to understand what you're dealing with:

Common Household Allergens

• Dust mites: Microscopic creatures that feed on dead skin cells. They thrive in warm, humid environments like bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets.
• Pet dander: Tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, birds, and other animals with fur or feathers.
• Mould and mildew: Fungi that grow in damp environments and release spores into the air.
• Pollen: While originating outdoors, pollen easily makes its way inside through open windows, on clothing, and on pets.
• Cockroach droppings: A significant allergen in urban environments.

Room-by-Room Allergen Reduction Strategies

Different rooms in your home harbour different allergen challenges. Here's how to address them effectively:

Bedrooms: Where You Spend One-Third of Your Life

The bedroom is perhaps the most important room to keep allergen-free, as we spend approximately eight hours a day there.

• Bedding:
  • Encase mattresses, box springs, and pillows in allergen-proof covers
  • Wash sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers weekly in hot water (at least 60°C)
  • Consider replacing down or feather pillows with synthetic alternatives
  • Regularly clean decorative pillows or choose washable options
• Flooring:
  • Hard flooring (wood, laminate, tile) is preferable to carpet for allergy sufferers
  • If carpet is necessary, choose low-pile options and vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum
  • Washable area rugs are a good compromise
• Furniture and décor:
  • Minimise clutter, which collects dust
  • Choose furniture with smooth, non-upholstered surfaces where possible
  • Avoid heavy drapes – opt for washable curtains or blinds that can be easily wiped clean
  • Store out-of-season clothing in sealed containers

Living Areas: Balancing Comfort and Cleanliness

• Upholstered furniture:
  • Vacuum sofas and chairs weekly, including under cushions
  • Consider leather or vinyl furniture, which doesn't harbour allergens like fabric does
  • Use washable throws and cushion covers where possible
• Curtains and blinds:
  • Choose washable options and clean regularly
  • Vacuum fabric curtains weekly or bi-weekly
  • Wipe down blinds regularly with a damp microfibre cloth
• Bookcases and shelving:
  • Dust open shelving frequently with a damp cloth
  • Consider closed cabinets for displaying items
  • Avoid excessive ornaments and dust-collecting items

Kitchens: Managing Moisture and Food Allergens

• Surface cleaning:
  • Wipe down all surfaces daily to prevent food residue build-up
  • Clean inside cabinets regularly to prevent crumbs and food debris
  • Empty and clean the refrigerator weekly, checking for mould
• Moisture control:
  • Fix any plumbing leaks promptly
  • Use extractor fans when cooking
  • Regularly clean the areas under the sink and around appliances
• Waste management:
  • Use bins with lids and empty them daily
  • Clean bins regularly to prevent mould and odours

Bathrooms: Combating Mould and Mildew

• Moisture management:
  • Use extractor fans during and after showers
  • Keep shower curtains or doors open after use to allow drying
  • Repair any leaks immediately
• Surface cleaning:
  • Clean and disinfect all surfaces weekly
  • Pay special attention to grout lines and sealant, where mould thrives
  • Wash bath mats regularly
• Mould prevention:
  • Use mould-resistant paint in bathrooms
  • Apply mould inhibitors to problem areas
  • Clean exhaust fan covers regularly

Essential Cleaning Techniques for Allergen Reduction

How you clean is just as important as what you clean. These techniques help remove allergens rather than just redistributing them:

Effective Dusting

• Use damp microfibre cloths rather than feather dusters, which simply spread dust
• Work from top to bottom in each room
• Clean vents and ceiling fans regularly
• Don't forget often-overlooked areas like the tops of doorframes, picture frames, and light fixtures

Proper Vacuuming

• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter that traps allergens rather than recirculating them
• Vacuum slowly and thoroughly, making multiple passes in different directions
• Pay special attention to high-traffic areas and around furniture
• Use attachments to clean upholstery, curtains, and hard-to-reach areas
• Consider wearing a mask while vacuuming if you're highly sensitive

Mopping and Floor Care

• Use damp mopping techniques that capture dust rather than spreading it
• Consider microfibre mops that trap more particles
• Change mop water frequently to avoid spreading allergens
• Allow floors to dry completely to prevent mould growth

Laundry Practices

• Wash bedding weekly in hot water (at least 60°C) to kill dust mites
• Tumble dry items on high heat where possible
• Consider adding essential oils like eucalyptus to the wash, which have natural dust mite-repelling properties
• Avoid hanging laundry outside during high pollen seasons if pollen is a trigger

Air Quality Management

Beyond surface cleaning, managing the quality of your indoor air is crucial for allergy sufferers:

Ventilation Strategies

• Balance fresh air with allergen concerns – consider opening windows during low pollen times
• Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture
• Keep internal doors open when possible to improve air circulation
• Consider trickle vents for continuous, controlled ventilation

Air Purification

• Consider HEPA air purifiers for bedrooms and living areas
• Change air filters in heating and cooling systems regularly
• Keep humidity levels between 40-50% to discourage dust mites and mould
• Consider dehumidifiers in naturally damp areas like basements

Special Considerations

Pet Allergen Management

For those who love their pets despite allergies:

• Create pet-free zones, especially in bedrooms
• Bathe pets regularly (weekly if possible) to reduce dander
• Use HEPA air purifiers in rooms where pets spend time
• Clean pet bedding weekly
• Consider smooth-surfaced furniture that's easier to clean
• Brush pets outdoors to prevent dander from spreading indoors

Seasonal Adaptations

Adjust your cleaning routine seasonally for optimal allergen control:

• Spring and Summer (pollen season):
  • Keep windows closed during high pollen days
  • Remove shoes at the door
  • Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors
  • Wipe down pets after they've been outside
• Autumn:
  • Be vigilant about leaves and outdoor debris being brought inside
  • Check for moisture issues as weather changes
• Winter:
  • Monitor humidity levels when heating is on
  • Clean around radiators and heating vents regularly
  • Be alert for condensation issues on windows

Children and Allergies

Special considerations for homes with allergic children:

• Choose washable toys where possible
• Regularly clean stuffed animals (freezing them for 24 hours can kill dust mites)
• Consider allergen-proof covers for children's mattresses and pillows
• Be vigilant about cleaning play areas
• Consider hard flooring rather than carpet in children's rooms

Creating a Cleaning Schedule

Consistency is key to allergen control. Develop a cleaning schedule that includes:

• Daily tasks: Basic dusting, vacuuming high-traffic areas, cleaning kitchen surfaces
• Weekly tasks: Thorough vacuuming, changing and washing bedding, bathroom deep clean
• Monthly tasks: Cleaning areas behind furniture, washing curtains, cleaning vents
• Seasonal tasks: Deep cleaning carpets, washing windows, cleaning overlooked areas

When to Consider Professional Cleaning

Professional cleaning services can be particularly valuable for allergy sufferers:

• Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning using hot water extraction removes allergens from deep within fibres
• Duct cleaning services can remove accumulated allergens from your ventilation system
• Professional cleaners have access to more powerful equipment and specialised products
• Regular professional deep cleaning (2-4 times annually) can significantly reduce overall allergen load

Conclusion

While completely allergen-free homes may be unattainable, implementing these strategies can dramatically reduce indoor allergens and improve quality of life for allergy sufferers. Remember that consistency is more important than occasional deep cleaning – regular maintenance prevents allergen build-up and creates a healthier home environment for everyone.

At Pryanaya Perlovka, we understand the unique cleaning needs of households with allergy sufferers. Our professional cleaning teams are trained in allergen-reduction techniques and use high-quality HEPA vacuum systems and allergen-capturing cleaning methods. We offer specialised cleaning packages designed specifically for homes where allergies are a concern.