Though the last frost date in Massachusetts falls in mid-to-late April, it’s always a good idea to stay ahead of allergy season. Removing dust, fireplace soot, and pet dander (a breeding ground for dust mites) from hard surfaces, carpets, upholstery, Oriental rugs and other textiles in your home will make for a cleaner, less “stuffed-up” transition into Spring season. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the warmer weather:
- Dust removal: Use a damp microfiber cloth or an absorbent cleaning pad to remove loose allergens from hard surfaces in your home. Feather dusters do little more than stir allergens into the air, potentially causing more problems for people susceptible to asthma and allergy triggers. Remember to reach the hard-to-reach places! Use a step-stool and wipe down the tops of cornice boards and ceiling ventilation grates, move the larger furniture to clean the hidden areas of the flooring-don’t forget your pet’s bedding-a thorough wash several times throughout the year will greatly reduce dander accumulation.
- Heating and air conditioning vents: Dust and allergens irritate our sinuses and eyes by continuously migrating through the air. Remove and wash any easily accesible vents and filters-filters that cannot be washed should be replaced. Most floor grates can easily be removed for washing, while wall vents may required a screwdriver.
- Fresh outside air: Air-out your home on the first warm day to help bring fresh, clean air inside. This cooler air hasn’t been saturated with pollen yet and can help reduce pollutants that cause sinus infections and allergic reactions. Brisk late-morning or early-afternoon air will work best.
- Dust Mites: No home is totally mite-free, but some are worse than others. Dust mites thrive in the warmth and humidity of carpets, upholstery, Oriental rugs, mattresses and even stuffed toys. Vacuum mattresses and upholstery regularly with a certified HEPA vacuum and launder linens and stuffed toys in water at least 140 degrees F or higher.
Lastly, proper vacuuming will remove about 80% of allergens from your soft furnishings. Professional cleaning of carpeting, upholstery, Oriental rugs and drapery at least once a year is one of the best investments you can make towards a clean, healthy home! To learn more about safe effective cleaning and how Regal Fabric Care incorporates the U.S. EPA’s Designed for the Environment (DfE) Program into its professional cleaning processes please contact us at 781-995-0683 or info@regalfabriccare.com.
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