We’re all familiar with “spring cleaning,” but if you or someone in your family has allergies, you may want to consider adding fall cleaning to your yearly routines as well. Allergy symptoms may largely subside in the late fall, but indoor allergens are still prolific.
Indoor Allergens
Substances that trigger allergic reactions are known as allergens. Now that summer is over and we’re likely to spend more time indoors over the next few months, indoor allergens become a more prominent issue. The most common indoor allergens are:
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Dust mites
What You Can Do in the Fall to Keep Your Home Allergen-Free
All three of those indoor allergens can be managed effectively with some home prep and cleaning. Here are some steps to take now.
Give Your Pet a Bath
Love snuggling up with your puppy or cat on the couch on a crisp fall day? Your pet is sending dander and hair flying when you do so. This is especially true this time of year, when most animals shed their summer coat and grow a thicker, warmer coat for winter. Wash off any excess dander and fur by giving them a bath. If you bathe your pet at home, make sure you remove all the wet pet hair from your yard or tub (wherever the bath took place) and dispose of it so it doesn’t continue to linger around the house.
Store Smartly
Summer gear, like kids’ sports equipment, outdoor recreational gear and camping equipment, is all ready to go into storage until next year. It is in storage where dust can build up. Dust mites, microscopic bugs distantly related to spiders, eat dust. It is the proteins in their feces and dead bodies that cause allergic reactions for people with dust mite allergies. Vacuum and dust the storage area thoroughly before adding new things to storage, and consider giving everything you’re about to store a good cleaning to make sure they don’t transport extra dust into the storage area.
Additionally, you’ll probably be taking things out of storage at this time, too, such as seasonal decorations, fall and winter jackets and fall sports gear for the kids. Wash everything you bring out of storage, either by wiping it down with a damp cloth or running it through the washing machine.
Check for Mold
Humans have known that mold can cause respiratory symptoms since before we even understood what allergies are. Mold spreads by releasing spores into the air, and these spores are what cause allergic reactions. It thrives in dark, warm, moist conditions, so many people see mold problems get worse in the winter when moisture levels are up, and you’re running the indoor heat.
Here are some common places in the home where mold tends to grow:
- Windows and window frames
- The refrigerator
- The dishwasher
- Toilets, sinks and bathtubs
- Behind the washing machine
- Dark corners of basements
- Dark corners of attics and crawl spaces
Check all these places and remove any mold you find. Throughout the fall and winter, watch the humidity levels of your home and keep it low to curb mold spread.
Talk to An Allergist
We at Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery want you and your family to have a cozy fall, safe from fall allergy flare-ups. To discuss other ways to manage allergy symptoms and find long-term relief, give us a call!
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