Dust and Allergies: How Often Should You Really Clean?

To start with an answer right away – American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACCAI) recommends cleaning your space at least once a week. Since cleaning stirs up all kinds of allergens like dust, pollen and more and can worsen your allergy symptoms, we are bringing you some simple but highly effective cleaning tips.

But first, let’s learn more about dust mite allergy. According to WebMD, it’s an allergic reaction to tiny bugs that live in the dust. Dusk mites are related to ticks and spiders and too small to see with a naked eye. They don’t like too high or too low temperatures. If you notice some of these symptoms, you may have a dust allergy: red, itchy and watery eyes, itchy, runny and stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy throat, itchy skin, coughing, tiredness, postnasal drip, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Unfortunately, you can have these symptoms all through the year. Dust mites live in bedding, pillows and mattresses so it’s more likely to have these symptoms when you’re asleep or after waking up. You should be really careful because if your symptoms get really severe or last a long time, they can lead to asthma. Symptoms of asthma include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, cough and wheezing or whistling when you breathe out.

Now, let’s get back to those cleaning tips:

• Always start cleaning highest spots. That way you’ll catch more of the dust and won’t leave any behind. Since cleaning stirs up dust into the air and onto the floor, clean your floors last.
• Wearing a mask is a simple, but also a highly effective way to keep allergens far away from you. Using a mask is also very helpful if you’re using some chemicals you don’t want to inhale. Try using N95 or KN95 masks for the best protection. If you have a sensitive skin wear a long sleeved shirt, pants, and gloves when cleaning.
• Try using organic and natural cleaners and products which won’t irritate your lungs or trigger allergy.
• For the best results, use dampened cloth or microfiber cloth. Brooms are things of the past. Vacuums suck up all dust and allergens floating through the air. We recommend getting a wireless vacuum because they are lightweight and flexible.
• Filtering the air is also a very effective way to get rid of airborne allergens, but make sure you replace your air filters every 3 to 6 months.
• Make sure you don’t over clutter your space. Moving and cleaning those items can also trigger your attacks.
• Washing you bedding weekly is also very important since we spend most of the night in the bedroom. Dust mites can live and die in your bedding and leave behind carcasses. This is why it’s very important to wash you sheets weekly in hot water.
• If you have pets, wash their bedding regularly in hot water. Dust mites are often found on pet dander, but you can reduce them if you brush your pets regularly and vacuum their hair. You should probably keep your pets away from beds.
• As we all know, smoking pollutes the air. Studies have shown that cigarette smoke and dust mite exposure can lead to increased inflammation in the airways. If you are a smoker, have a rule to smoke outside to decrease indoor pollution – although we strongly recommend avoiding smoking completely.
• Adding just a few drops of menthol, eucalyptus, lavender or tea tree oil to your washing can be very effective at killing mites. You can also add a few drops in your diffuser, which will release a fine mist of essential oil and water into the air. Not only will your house smell heavenly, but what’s even more important, you will reduce inflammation and improve detoxification of harmful bacteria and mites that can trigger an allergic attack.
• Clean your AC and heating filters. ACCAI recommends changing your filters every three months.
• After you deep clean your apartment go outside because your symptoms can worsen after cleaning. Enjoy some fresh air and allow dust and dust mites to settle again. You don’t want to inhale all that dust you just sent into the air.

Remember, if your allergies are too strong ask for help. Maybe your roommate, a family member or a friend can help you clean. If your allergy is too severe to clean, hire a professional.