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How to Control Your Allergies

12 Tips to Keep Your Carpet Looking Great

Mold problems in Baltimore

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How to Control Your Allergies
Through Cleaning

When children play and crawl on the floor, they breathe in allergens. Keep carpets, furniture and curtains as clean and dust free as possible.

Cleaning Carpets to Control Allergens

When you vacuum, some of the allergens trapped in carpets and upholstery are thrown into the air. Whenever possible, have a non-allergic person do the vacuuming. Or, wear a dust mask and goggles if eye allergies are a problem. Get your carpet professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months with a hot water extraction method.

Tips for Vacuuming

• If possible, use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter and/or exhaust filter; or use a special bag that holds allergens inside the bag.
• Vacuum at least once a week. Vacuum more often if you have a pet.
• Empty the dirt bag when it’s half full (or throw it away if it’s disposable).
• An upright vacuum or a canister with a powered nozzle is best for carpet. They pick up a lot more dust than a canister vacuum without a powered nozzle.
• A canister vacuum without a powered nozzle is good for cleaning upholstery, draperies, blinds and light dusting.

If Carpet Gets Wet
Mold, mildew and germs grow in wet or damp carpeting. Carpets that have been damp or wet for more than 24 hours should be removed or professionally cleaned.
TIP:
Special Allergen Equipment for Vacuum Cleaners

For the vacuum you already have, use:
·  A special bag that holds allergens inside the bag.
·  An exhaust filter.
If you get a new vacuum, get one with:
·  A HEPA filter.
·  Special bags that hold allergens inside the bag.

1. Use smooth blinds or shades instead of fabric curtains when you can. If you use curtains, buy washable ones. Wipe blinds weekly with a clean, damp cloth. Wash curtains monthly.
2. Clean and dry window frames and sills regularly. The dust that collects there is full of pollen, mildew and dust mites.
3. Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures at least monthly, using a clean, damp cloth.
4. Vacuum or use a damp cloth to wipe down air vents weekly.
5. Use washable rugs at doors to catch dust, pollen and mold spores. Wash rugs weekly.
6. Dust hard furniture weekly.
7. Vacuum upholstered furniture regularly.
8. Vacuum floors and damp mop at least weekly.
9. Keep toys, books, “knick-knacks” and stuffed animals in closed cabinets or plastic containers.
10. Use filters over air conditioning and heating vents. If possible, change them regularly.

Use smooth, easy-to-clean furniture, if possible.

Want to save time and reduce allergens? Get rid of clutter!
Having lots of stuff around does more than clutter up a room. It makes cleaning harder and gives places for dust and other allergens to collect. Follow these 4 simple steps to reduce clutter.

1. Sort It Out
Start with a bedroom and take everything out of the closet, dressers, shelves, under the bed.
Put stuff in separate piles: clothes, shoes, toys, books, school supplies, sports equipment, etc.

Work with your children to pick the toys and belongings that are most important, and separate those they don’t use any more.

You can give old toys, books and clothes to a friend, community center or Head Start classroom. You can also sell them.

2. Give It A Home
Keep similar items together so that children know where to find things. For example, keep school supplies near the desk or table where your children do homework; store videos by the VCR; toys in the play area, etc.

Put children’s things in a place that’s easy for them to reach.

3. Cover It
Put items inside drawers, closets, covered boxes or plastic containers so dust can’t collect on them. Put labels on containers to show where things belong. Have your children write or draw labels.

4. Use It
Review the “clutter plan” with your children. Remind them that controlling clutter may help reduce asthma attacks. Have them try to put one thing back before getting out something else. Or, schedule 5 minutes of clean-up time every night.

Since many allergens float in the air, they are hard to avoid. Cleaning (like dusting and vacuuming) can stir up the air and the allergens in it. Just like other particles in the air, sometimes cleaning products can “trigger” an asthma attack. But, it’s still important to clean. If you don’t, the mildew, dust and other allergens will build up, making asthma symptoms worse.

If you have allergies or asthma, here are some important tips:

Read and follow label directions on cleaning products. The label directions give the proper amount of product to use, how to use the product and any special safety advice.

If you use spray products, spray the cleaner on a cloth or sponge first instead of on the surface

Break your cleaning into small tasks. Spread it out over several days instead of doing it all at once

Clean in a “well-ventilated” area – open a door and a window or turn on an exhaust fan. Leave the room when you are done cleaning and allow the room to air out.

Try using cleaning products that have no scent or are perfume free. Try different products to find the ones that work best for you.

If your asthma is severe, have someone else do the cleaning.

Try to leave home when the cleaning is being done.

If you must do the cleaning yourself, wear a mask.

Have asthmatic children leave the room when cleaning is being done.

Don’t ask children with asthma to dust or vacuum. Have them do other chores like washing dishes, taking out the trash, etc.

Here are some ways to use these products safely:

1. Open windows when using cleaning products, especially if the asthmatic person is home while you are cleaning. Ask that person to go into another room when you are cleaning.
2. Don’t leave cleaning buckets where children or pets can get into them. Young children can drown in very small amounts of liquid. Large buckets are especially dangerous.
3. Close caps and spouts and put cleaning products away right after you use them.
4. Store cleaning products out of the reach of young children and pets and away from food.
5. Keep products in their original containers with their labels on. It’s important to know what the product is if a child accidentally swallows it. Never re-use an empty bottle or box for a different product.
6. Read and follow label directions. Call the toll-free (1-800) number on the label if you have questions.

 

Did you know that disinfectants can take from 30 seconds to 10 minutes to kill germs or mold/mildew?
Read the label. Different products work in different ways and can have different instructions for using them.
The label is where to find how to use a cleaning product.

Follow the directions to get the best results.