5 Spring Cleaning Tips That Will Improve Daily Health

The weather is warming up, which means it's also time to take part in spring cleaning, the time of year where individuals spruce up and de-germ their home and offices. As well as taking other steps to get ready for upcoming nice weather. With longer days and motivation brought on by pleasant temps, this is an annual time to clean up and clear out. 

In order to make the most of your cleaning efforts this year, look toward additional fixes that not only improve your living space, but can help make your home healthier. 

1. Steam Cleaning

Did you know it's recommended to get your carpets cleaned once per year? And your mattress? An overwhelming majority of folks do not have their sleeping or walking surfaces cleaned, which can leave them full of germs and allergens. Have yours cleaned to remove these symptom triggers. Additionally, steam cleaning is the most effective way to sanitize without introducing chemicals. 

2. Air Purifier

When the weather is nice, it's a common practice to open the windows. However, doing so can let airborne germs into the home. Set up an air purifier in your bedroom (or whenever windows are open) to help eliminate these triggers. 

3. Air Ducts

Even though they pump air into every room of the home, air ducts are given surprisingly little attention. When left alone for only a few months, who knows what could be lurking in their depths … aside from dust. Have your ducts professionally cleaned for fresher air, or consider vacuuming them out yourself. 

4.  Freshly Laundered Everything

We rarely get around to cleaning the bedspread, or the pillows, but spring is a great time to start fresh. Wash what you can at home, or head to a local laundry mat that has bigger machines and more extreme settings. 

5. Keep it Clean

Generally, the entire reason we need spring cleaning is because we slacked all winter long. Who wants to tidy up when it's freezing out, after all? Once you've cleaned this spring, keep a short routine of picking up (laundry, vacuuming, etc.) to ensure your efforts last. 

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How to Avoid Fall's Biggest Allergy Triggers

Unless you suffer from fall allergies, it can be hard to remember there's an entire cold weather season that makes you sneeze. In the spring, it's expected, but somehow fall allergies tend to fall off our radar. That is, unless you suffer from them, in which case you're trying everything in your power to do away with the once and for all.

Within your epic quest to remove such allergens, remember these triggers, what might cause symptoms, and how you can best avoid each of these hay-fever nightmares.

Warm Fall Weather

It might sound like a blessing, especially for those who hate the cold. But warm weather that continues into the fall can actually create allergy havoc. Humidity and warm temps bring allergens out of their hiding places, and into your breathing air at a much higher rate.  

Wind

When paired with warm temperatures, wind can be the allergy sufferer's biggest enemy. Though you can't exactly avoid the wind, when it's in the forecast, be sure and keep your windows closed, turn on air purifiers, and change out filters (including heater filters) to eliminate as many allergens as possible.

Leaves

Rake them! Sure you "don’t want to have to do it twice," and are waiting for all of the leaves to fall, but letting them sit can mean more allergies that you and your family is breathing in every day. Pay a pro to get rid of them, or use a mulching lawn mower that collects leaves in a bag for ample cleanup abilities. 

Pre-Freeze

A good hard freeze is one of the best cures for fall allergies. Until that day, however, keep in mind that there will be far more pollen, dander, and ragweed within your home. (Among other triggers.) This information can help dictate how often you vacuum or wash your sheets in order to remove the cause of hay fever as thoroughly as possible. 

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Get a Jump on Spring Allergies

Spring may be a few months away, but with unpredictable weather patterns, it’s hard to know exactly when it will show up. And, it’s symptoms and side effects along with it. For those who suffer from allergies, however, there’s no need to worry about dates, instead, get a jumpstart and fight off allergens even before they become a threat. That way you can eliminate pollens, insects, danders, and more before they ever have a chance to enter your home. Or worse, your bedroom, keeping you from getting some much-needed sleep. 

To Deter Allergens

Consider a multi-faceted approach. For instance, protecting pillows and your mattress (maybe even blankets) with specialty covers. These hypoallergenic fabrics create a surface in which bugs, molds, etc. can’t adhere. Leaving you to sleep free and clear from all of your allergens. To get the most out of your efforts, cover both your mattress and each of your pillows in such materials. 

Blankets, pajamas, and more (essentially anything that can be washed in the machine) with a specialty soap or additive to remove allergens. Because these items can often survive a wash, this extra step will ensure they’re removed directly from the fibers on which you sleep. 

Before the nicer weather hits, it’s also a good idea to get your spring cleaning done. Yes it’s called spring cleaning for a reason, but waiting for warm weather can also invite mites and dust directly into your home. Instead, deep clean now before they even get the chance. Wash curtains, vacuum furniture, shampoo carpets, etc. If it can be cleaned (and has the potential to cause allergies), clean it and clean it now. 

Come spring, these efforts will offer you some much needed allergy relief. Consider taking a few extra minutes now – along with the help of some specialty products – to earn better results later this year. 

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