Breathe Easy This Allergy Season: Expert Tips for a Cleaner, Allergen-Free Home

As the blooms and buds of spring paint Long Island in vibrant colors, many of us begin to suffer from the less cheerful side of the season: allergies. Pollen, dust, and other allergens can turn what should be a delightful time of year into a sniffly, sneezy ordeal. But fear not! At Shore to Shore Cleaning, we're armed with expert tips to help you keep your home clean and free of allergens, so you can enjoy the season to its fullest.

1. Stay Ahead of Pollen

Pollen can be one of the biggest culprits during allergy season. To minimize its presence in your home, keep windows closed during high pollen count days. Invest in a good quality air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture airborne allergens. Additionally, consider placing doormats both outside and inside all entry doors to trap pollen and prevent it from spreading throughout your home.

2. Regular, Thorough Cleaning

Frequent cleaning is essential during allergy season, but it’s important to do it right to avoid stirring up dust and allergens:

• Dust with Damp Cloths: This helps trap allergens instead of sending them back into the air.
• Vacuum Regularly: Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to efficiently capture even the smallest allergens. Vacuum at least twice a week, and don’t forget to include furniture, curtains, and other fabric surfaces where allergens can linger.
• Wash Bedding Weekly: Use hot water to wash all bedding, blankets, and pillowcases to kill dust mites and remove allergens.

3. Declutter Your Space

Clutter can trap and hold dust and allergens more than a tidy space. By minimizing clutter, you reduce the surfaces where allergens can accumulate. Keep shelves, tabletops, and other surfaces clean and uncluttered. Store books, magazines, and ornaments in closed cabinets or donate items you no longer need.

4. Address Humidity and Mold

Maintaining an optimal indoor humidity level (between 30-50%) can significantly reduce the presence of dust mites and mold, both of which are common allergens. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas of the home, and be vigilant about preventing mold in bathrooms and kitchens by using exhaust fans and cleaning visible mold with mold-reducing solutions.

5. Upgrade Your Furnace Filters

Change the filters in your heating and cooling systems regularly. Opt for filters with a high MERV rating that can capture smaller particles, including many common allergens. These filters need to be changed every 90 days, or more frequently if you have pets or a busy household.

6. Opt for Easy-to-Clean Surfaces

Where possible, replace carpeting with hardwood or laminate flooring, which does not trap allergens as easily and is simpler to clean. If you prefer rugs, choose washable ones.

7. Professional Cleaning Services

Sometimes, the best way to ensure your home is allergen-free is to call in the pros. Shore to Shore Cleaning offers deep cleaning services that focus on removing allergens from every corner of your home, from steam cleaning carpets to dusting hard-to-reach light fixtures.

Allergy season on Long Island doesn’t have to mean misery. By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly reduce allergens in your home and create a more comfortable environment for everyone, especially allergy sufferers.

Ready to breathe easier?

Contact Shore to Shore Cleaning today, and let’s make your home a haven from allergies this spring!