Household Mistakes That Make Allergies Worse | Q101.9

Cleaning your home helps with allergies. That’s for sure. BUT there are mistakes we make that can really make them worse too.

·A vacuum cleaner can keep carpets clean of these allergens, but if you don’t use a HEPA filter, you could be doing more harm than good. Regular vacuum filters allow small allergens to pass through and back into the air, where you breathe them in.

·Carpet shampoo is also a faux pas. The remaining moisture can cause mold growth or increase dust mites.

·While air-drying your clothes can be environmentally friendly, clothes left outside can pick up pollen and mold that can be brought indoors.

Avoid using scented cleansers and detergents

Wear a mask while cleaning

·Be sure to clean exterior entrances. A clean entrance can limit the amount of dust, dirt and pollen that shoes carry into the house.

·Do not use cleaning products containing ammonia, d-limonene, formaldehyde, sodium hypochlorite and sodium lauryl sulphate. These chemicals can trigger allergies. Instead, use natural products or make your own clean solution.

·And be sure to leave your home after a deep cleaning, as allergens that have been kicked up after cleaning can linger in the air for a few hours.

(KSAT)