Here in Charleston, our mild winters mean dust, pollen and moisture buildup inside our homes, which needs to be dealt with if you want to get ahead of allergy symptoms. It also means that the flora outdoors starts blooming sooner and pollen season comes earlier. Here’s our checklist for spring cleaning with allergy season in mind.
Deep Clean Linens, Bedding and Upholstery
Dust mites make their home in our linens and upholstery, and the jagged edges of microscopic pet dander make it easy for it to cling to soft surfaces.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture, including crevices and the frame underneath
- Wash rugs and curtains in 130° F (or hotter!) water
- Replace pillows that are more than two years old
- Put all bedding in the washing machine and leave it out to dry, preferably outside
- Vacuum all six sides of your mattress
- Use a carpet cleaner for all carpets
Thoroughly Dust All Surfaces
It can be so irksome to turn on the ceiling fan on the first warm day of spring only for it to rain down the dust accumulated over the winter onto your head. Dust everything, including:
- Under all furniture
- Ceiling fans
- Light fixtures
- Closet shelves
- Window ledges and frames
- Baseboards and trim
- Exhaust fan covers in the bathroom
Check for Mold
Moisture accumulates and settles on surfaces in winter due to cold air, creating ideal conditions for a mold playground. This is especially true in the more humid rooms of your home, such as the bathroom, basement, laundry room and kitchen. Check the following areas for mold:
- Shower/tub
- Shower curtains
- Sink (inside, behind and under)
- Toilet (inside, behind and under)
- Trash cans
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerators and freezers, especially around the seals
- Washing machine
- Basement
- Attic and crawl spaces
- Near windows
- Near heating and HVAC vents
Prepare for Pollen Season
Anyone who lives in the South Carolina Lowcountry knows that spring means pollen, and lots of it. Make sure your home is ready to keep the pollen deluge out.
- Replace HVAC air filters
- Change the filters in AC units and air purifiers
- Use allergen barriers on mattresses and pillows, if you aren’t already
- Invest in HEPA air filters, especially for high-traffic rooms
- Rinse off porches, patios and outdoor furniture to keep existing pollen from being tracked into the house
Feel Good in Your Home
We at Charleston ENT & Allergy know that the home is where the heart is, but it’s hard to be comfortable in a home that’s constantly triggering your allergy symptoms. If you’re struggling to find relief this spring, even after a solid spring cleaning, call us to discuss your symptoms!