Natural Cleaning For Allergy Sufferers

Clean surroundings can actually help in controlling your allergy symptoms; however, the products you clean with may also be contributing to those symptoms. I have been in the residential cleaning service industry for over fifteen years and have many clients who are also allergy sufferers. The best way to avoid having a flare up of symptoms is to have some one else do your cleaning for you, however, I understand that you may not always have that option, so read on:

Symptoms caused by cleaning products may include:

-Itchy,watery eyes
-Congestion
-Wheezing
-Skin rash

There are measures you can take with your cleaning routine which will greatly reduce the risks of having a reaction to allergens in your home. The first thing you should focus on is the cleaning products you use, I recommend using all non toxic cleaning supplies, including; microfiber cleaning cloths, a solution of vinegar and water, lemon juice and oil soap, a True H.E.P.A filter vacuum cleaner and a vapor steam cleaner.

Carpets and Rugs:

Allergy sufferers should limit, or even eliminate carpeting in their homes, but if you love your carpets (even if they don't love you) you can control the allergens in them with some extra effort.
Use your H.E.P.A vacuum cleaner to effectively trap all the loose dirt, pet dander, dust and even dust mites lurking within the fibers of your carpet. True H.E.P.A filter vacuum cleaners are capable of trapping at least 99.97 percent of particles up to.3 microns in size.

After you have thoroughly vacuumed your carpets you should use the steam cleaner to gently clean and disinfect using high temperature steam. Wrap the floor brush attachment in a towel and gently go over the carpets. The heat from the steam will kill most of the dust mites you may have missed with the vacuum cleaner.

Allow your carpet to dry before vacuuming it a second time to pick up any dirt loosened by the steam cleaner.

Dusting:

To get rid of dust on furniture and other easy to reach surfaces the dusting brush attachment on your H.E.P.A vacuum cleaner will work well. You can use a slightly damp microfiber cloth on the surface after vacuuming. To get to those hard to reach areas the crevice tool attachment on your vacuum cleaner will get the job done.

Bathrooms:

Cleaning your bathroom with non toxic cleaning products is a smart choice, not only for allergy sufferers but for anyone who cares about their overall health. Most, if not all, of the cleaning products used for cleaning bathrooms contain harsh, toxic chemical ingredients.

You can use the solution of vinegar and water to clean all the glass surfaces in your bathroom. To clean and sanitize, dilute non-chlorine bleach and water, this solution can be used on tiles, toilet bowls, tubs etc. You may further sanitize with the steam cleaner.

Kitchens:

Stains are most common in the kitchen; fortunately most surfaces in the kitchen are more stain resistant than in other areas of your home. Greasy stove tops can be cleaned with the steam cleaner and a towel dampened with a solution of oil soap and water. A high performance non toxic cleaner will work on the more stubborn stains. The solution of vinegar and water is also very useful in the kitchen. Wipe your counter tops with a microfiber cleaning cloth.

Floors (tile and hardwood)

Vacuum floors thoroughly with your incredible H.E.PA filter vacuum, then go over them with the steam cleaner to loosen any ground-in dirt.The oil soap can be diluted in water for a solution that will work wonders when cleaning your hardwood floors. Finally, use a sponge mop made damp with the oil soap solution for cleaning your floors.

Bedrooms:

People tend to overlook vacuuming drapes and mattresses when cleaning their bedrooms; however those two areas are critical in controlling allergies. Use the dusting brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to vacuum your mattress thoroughly every two months. To vacuum your drapes be sure to use the suction control switch on your vacuum cleaner, as you will need less suction.

The cleaning methods I've described are quite effective at controlling allergens in your home, there are further steps you can take in conjunction with your cleaning routine. I also use an air cleaner to trap airborne particles within my home (yes; it has an H.E.P.A filter also).