House cleaning checklist for allergy sufferers

House cleaning checklist for allergy sufferers


Most people connect allergies with warm weather, but the truth is that outdoor allergens are only a part of the problem. Some of the biggest triggers for allergy sufferers are household allergens. The good news is that this house cleaning checklist can keep all kind of allergens—both outdoor and indoor—at bay so allergy sufferers can enjoy their home without the sneezing, wheezing, and stuffy nose caused by allergies.

Use a damp microfiber cloth for cleaning that traps allergens.

Purchase a vacuum designed specifically for homes with allergy sufferers. (Use these tips to choose a vacuum that won’t damage floors.)

Vacuum, don’t sweep, floors. Sweeping can push allergens around and put them into the air.

Wear a mask when cleaning to keep allergy attacks at bay.

One of the easiest ways to limit the amount of exposure is to purchase household items that are hypoallergenic and can trap or keep allergens away.

Choose flooring that is easy-to-clean and hypoallergenic. Any hard floor fits into this category, as well as hypoallergenic carpet products (ask about hypoallergenic carpets when you visit a flooring store).

Purchase linens, such as dust-proof pillow cases, specifically designed for allergy sufferers.

Avoid scented cleaners that can trigger allergy symptoms.

House cleaning checklist for allergy sufferers

Mudroom

___ Wipe down light fixtures.

___ Wipe down shelves, lockers, and closet hardware.

___ Launder any window treatments.

___ Clean mudroom flooring.

___ Vacuum and carpet clean any area rugs.

House cleaning tip:
The mudroom is the first line of defense against outdoor allergens. This room is also an ideal place for allergy sufferers to remove clothing and shoes to keep allergens out of the house. Allergy sufferers should regularly give this room a deep clean to remove allergens before they are tracked into the house.

Bedrooms

___ Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures where dust can sit.

___ Launder sheets in hot water.

___ Vacuum carpets with a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

___ Schedule a carpet cleaning regularly to remove allergens.

___ Dust window blinds and clean curtains.

House cleaning tip: The bedroom should be a safe zone where allergy sufferers can sleep without worrying about sneezing and wheezing. To keep allergens out of the bedroom, wash sheets once a week and never hang sheets outside to dry.

Living room/dens

___ Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures.

___ Schedule an upholstery cleaning for fabric furniture.

___ Launder any blankets that are on furniture (preferably in hot water, if the fabric can handle it).

___ Dust window blinds and clean curtains.

___ Regularly vacuum floors.

___ Deep clean floors on a regular basis.

___ Dust shelves and furniture.

___ Clean light fixture.

___ Schedule a carpet cleaning for carpet and area rugs.

House cleaning tip:
Start cleaning rooms from the top down to ensure that dust is not left on any surface.

Kitchen/dining room

___ Clean light fixtures.

___ Wipe down surfaces, tables, and counter tops.

___ Clean top and behind appliances.

___ Launder kitchen towels in hot water.

___ Regularly vacuum floors.

___ Deep clean floors.

House cleaning tip:
To ensure that allergens are not circulated throughout the home, schedule a duct cleaning to remove allergens from heating ducts. For further protection, use an air purifier and purchase a furnace filter that removes allergens from the air.

Laundry room

___ Clean light fixtures.

___ Wipe down counters and shelves.

___ Clean top and behind appliances.

___ Regularly vacuum floors.

___ Deep clean floors.

House cleaning tip:
Keep clothing worn outside in bags or airtight packages before laundering the items.

Bathroom

___ Clean light fixtures.

___ Wipe down counters and shelves.

___ Clean shower and bathtub.

___ Launder or clean shower curtain.

___ Dust the top of mirrors.

___ Launder towels in hot water.

___ Regularly vacuum floors.

___ Deep clean floors.

House cleaning tip:
Use a fan in the bathroom to try to keep moisture and mold to a minimum. Scrub tile and grout (both in the shower and on the floor) to keep mold, one of the most common household allergens, from growing.