If you struggle with allergy and asthma problems, you understand that there are many contributing factors. One can even be born with allergies. From cashews to shellfish, bee stings, certain kinds of meds, and so much more, there’s no telling what might cause an allergic reaction.
But let’s say, for example, that your primary allergy is to dust or pesticides. You can clean and dust your house all you want, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to resolve the issue. Dust, pesticides, and a multitude of other allergy and asthma irritants collect inside air ducts – each time the furnace or AC fan turns on, the allergens assault you living spaces.
So, what’s a careful homeowner to do? You have “umpteen” remedies at your disposal, but for today, let’s explore just one – your floors.
By cleaning them often and in the right ways, you can reduce the number of airborne pollutants causing you upper respiratory discomfort. Here’s how:
- Vacuum. Chemicals and allergens can get trapped and attach themselves to dust for decades at a time. By cleaning your floors regularly with a HEPA vacuum cleaner, you can cut way back on existing concentrations of lead, brominated fire-retardant chemicals (PBDEs), as well as allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. The HEPA filter captures them, which means no more floating upward and infecting your lungs. But don’t just vacuum your floors. It’s just as important to include walls, carpet edges, and upholstered furniture.
- Mop. Floor mopping finishes the job that vacuuming starts. Microfiber mops and water (no soapy additives) do the best job.
- Keep pollutants out. Put a large floor mat inside and outside every entrance way. People track in a surprising number of pollutants on the soles of their shoes. Door mats can help leave pollutants at the door.
Here at Optimum Air, we can contribute to asthma and allergy relief in a big way with a whole-house air filtration system – the kind that capture more than 99% of airborne pollutants – including dust and dust mites – as they travel through your air ducts. For more information or a free in-home proposal, contact us today.
