How to Keep Allergens Out of Your Home

By Lucy Leyva

Here in Prescott, we work hard to maintain our homes. As much as we try to keep things clean, we unknowingly track things into our homes – including the dreaded allergies from pollen. Prescott Maid to Order wants to share some tips with you on how professional cleaning can help reduce allergies in your Prescott home.

Hepa Filters

High-Efficiency Particulate Air –HEPA for short – filters are specifically made to trap allergens in the home that can make it past other vacuum cleaners that are only designed for suction. If your vacuum doesn’t have a HEPA filter, then you are likely breathing in allergens as you are vacuuming.

Here are a few tips about what else you can do to eliminate some of the allergens that get into your home:

ƒ Cutting clutter: getting rid of boxes can help with dust and hidden allergens in the home like dust mites and cockroaches.

ƒ Wearing a mask while you are cleaning will help, but we also recommend leaving your house for a few hours once you are done. This will limit your exposure to allergens you might have lifted into the air while cleaning.

ƒ Keep your bathroom free of mold by scrubbing tile regularly.

ƒ Wash sheets weekly in hot water with unscented cleaners and detergents.

ƒ Don’t air dry your laundry outside where it can be exposed to pollen, which again enters your home unknowingly.

ƒ Clean entryways by sweeping or vacuuming.

ƒ Don’t use do-it-yourself shampoo on carpets because of the risk of mold growth or dust mite populations. Get them professionally cleaned.

ƒ If you are allergic to dust mites, ask another family member to do the cleaning or hire a professional cleaning company.

Prevention

These are certainly not required, but they will make your life easier when you are cleaning and help prevent allergy flare-ups.

ƒ Rugs and carpets can trap allergens, so having hardwood, tile or vinyl flooring will reduce your exposure to these. Getting smaller rugs that you can wash will also help.

ƒ Encase mattresses and pillows with dust-proof covers to reduce problems with dust mites.

ƒ Consider replacing drapes or horizontal blinds with roller shades, which will keep dust and allergens at bay. we are humbled and proud to be part of your personal story. QCBN

ƒ If you do have drapes and curtains, wash them regularly.

ƒ Make sure to have the high pot shelves cleaned a few times a year. They collect a lot of dust and are often forgotten because you can’t easily see them.

ƒ Taking off shoes before you go inside the house will also help keep allergens from being tracked in.

Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D., is the president of Yavapai College.

In February 2019, Dr. Lisa B. Rhine became the tenth president of Yavapai College, bringing to the institution over 30 years of leadership experience across a number of leading colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Dr. Rhine assumed this role with a commitment to advance the mission of the college while ensuring access and support to those for whom opportunities may have been historically limited or denied.

Yavapai College offers over 100 degrees and certificates, student and community services, and cultural events and activities at six locations throughout Yavapai County, including campuses in Prescott and Clarkdale, and centers in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Sedona and the Prescott Airport.

ƒ Keeping pets out of the bedroom is tough for some of us, but if you are allergic, don’t let them sleep on the bed. This is a nightmare for anyone with allergies.

ƒ Use air-conditioning instead of opening windows when it is hot. Air-conditioning filters the air, preventing dust, pollens and any other triggers from getting in.

When it comes to allergen control, it can be a challenge, especially in the springtime in Prescott. We hope these tips will help prevent the causes of allergies around your home. QCBN