8 Cleaning Tips for Allergy Sufferers

This article is presented by Roborock.

Maintaining a clean home is critical when it comes to managing your allergies, but it’s not as easy as waving a feather duster at a few pieces of furniture and calling it a day. Each room requires a different strategy and schedule if you want to be proactive in taking care of household irritants, like mold and pet dander, that can exacerbate your symptoms. That’s why we're offering up some simple household cleaning tips designed for anyone who suffers from allergies.

1. Invest in a good vacuum—and use it frequently.

Keeping a consistent vacuuming schedule is your first line of defense against the allergy-causing particles that build up on your floors. Remember, though, vacuum cleaners are not a one-size-fits-all type of product—and for allergy sufferers, you’ll want one that’s equipped with a HEPA filtration system. These filters are powerful enough to remove 99.7 percent of potentially irritating particles (pollen, pet dander, and dust mites) from floors, furniture, couches, and other nooks and crannies.

2. Wear a mask and goggles while cleaning.

If your allergies are particularly sensitive, you might want to wear a face mask and protective goggles to prevent dust and other debris from getting in your eyes and mouth while you clean the house. For extra comfort, choose a mask constructed from lightweight, breathable materials like cotton, cloth, or linen.

3. Wash and dry your bedding in hot water often.

If you’re the type to wash your bedding around once a month (if that), you’re probably sleeping in a breeding ground of skin flakes, pet hair, mold, and other irritants. Instead, you should throw your sheets, comforters, and pillowcases into the wash every single week. And remember to select a hot enough setting—at least 130°F—to kill dust mites and eliminate allergens. If your bedding can’t be washed in hot water, simply throw it in the dryer at 130°F for at least 15 minutes.

4. Choose fragrance-free cleaners.

Scented cleaners can sometimes be made with synthetic chemicals that cause allergies to act up, which is why you’ll want to look for fragrance- and dye-free cleaning supplies next time you’re at the store. Some products actually state that they are certified for people who suffer from asthma and allergies, or you can simply look for products that are labeled hypoallergenic.

5. Clean from high to low.

Ironically, the process of cleaning can actually spread dust particles throughout your home, so you’ll want to clean from top to bottom to avoid making your chores even more of a pain. For example, if you’re doing a full clean of the living room, dust the tops of your highest shelves first, and work your way down. Since dust and other particles will inevitably fall to the ground as you clean, it only makes sense that you should save your floors for last. Not only will you get a more thorough clean, but it will save you from having to redo spots that get dirty during the process.

6. Use a damp cloth to clean surfaces.

When cleaning, it’s best to use a damp cloth or mop as opposed to a dry one. This is because dry cloths spread dust around, while damp ones stop dust and allergens in their tracks. Opt for one made with microfiber, which is known for its soft texture and ultra-absorbent material that’s great for picking up and trapping smaller particles.

7. Disinfect your shower—even if there’s no visible buildup or grime.

Mold thrives in damp, warm environments like showers, but it won’t always be visible to the naked eye. In fact, by the time you actually see mold on your shower or tub, there could be millions—or, sometimes, billions—of spores already present. In order to prevent this buildup, you’ll want to scrub down your shower with an all-purpose bathroom cleaner every week, even if it already looks spotless. If you’re sensitive to bleach-based cleaners, you can fill a squirt bottle with warm white vinegar and dish soap for a homemade solution.

8. And don’t forget to clean your shower curtain.

You know it’s important to clean your shower floors and walls, but are you paying attention to your curtain? Not everyone realizes this is another source of mold and mildew that you should try to clean every week. And the best, and easiest, way to get your shower curtain and liner squeaky clean and disinfected is to throw them in the wash along with two towels. These towels offer extra scrubbing power, ensuring that your curtain gets the deep, vigorous wash it needs. Just make sure you turn the machine on “delicate,” and you’ll be good to go.

The Roborock H7 vacuum can help rid your home of 99.99 percent of the unwanted particles that cause household dust, including pollen and fungi. It also includes a HEPA filtration system and an extended battery life for uninterrupted cleaning. You can find it on Amazon.