Living in this beautiful area offers residents stunning landscapes and a vibrant outdoor lifestyle. However, for some, the allure of the Last Frontier comes with a price – seasonal allergies. If you’ve noticed that your allergies tend to worsen when you clean your home, you’re not alone.
In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon. Seasoned professionals that consistently deliver impeccable housekeeping results and team members of our maid services in Anchorage will offer practical tips to minimize allergy triggers during your cleaning routine.
Why do my allergies get worse when I clean?
Living in Anchorage, Alaska, surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty, makes managing allergies a worthy challenge. When you clean your home, the disturbance of allergens, the lack of ventilation, and the use of harsh chemicals can all contribute to worsening allergy symptoms. However, armed with knowledge and the right strategies, you can mitigate these effects.
Regularly dusting and vacuuming with a HEPA filter, using natural cleaning products, and maintaining proper ventilation are key steps to reduce allergens in your home. Additionally, understanding your personal allergy triggers and taking targeted measures can significantly improve your cleaning experience.
Stirring up dust and allergens
One of the primary reasons your allergies might worsen during cleaning is the act of stirring up dust and allergens that have settled in your home. In Anchorage, where the changing seasons bring pollen, mold spores, and dust mites, these allergens can accumulate in carpets, upholstery, and hidden corners of your living space. When you clean, dusting or vacuuming can agitate these particles, causing them to become airborne and trigger your allergies.
Lack of ventilation
Alaskan winters are cold, which often leads to tightly sealed homes with limited ventilation. During cleaning, if you don’t have proper ventilation, allergens released into the air can linger longer, increasing your exposure and exacerbating allergy symptoms. Consider opening windows when weather permits or using fans to improve air circulation while cleaning.
Harsh cleaning chemicals
Some cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your respiratory system and worsen allergy symptoms. Many residents in Anchorage prefer eco-friendly or non-toxic cleaning alternatives to avoid triggering allergies and to protect the environment. Switching to natural cleaning solutions can reduce exposure to irritants and provide relief during cleaning tasks.
Pet dander and allergens
Pets are beloved members of many households, but their dander can be a significant allergen source. Cleaning your home can disturb pet hair and dander, making them airborne and leading to allergy flare-ups. Regular grooming of pets, frequent washing of their bedding, and using a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner can help manage pet allergens.
Mold growth
Alaska’s damp climate can foster mold growth in homes, especially in areas prone to moisture accumulation, such as bathrooms and basements. Cleaning these areas can expose you to mold spores, leading to allergic reactions. Combat mold by ensuring proper ventilation in high-humidity areas and promptly addressing any water leaks or damage.
Pollen infiltration
Spring and summer bring beautiful blooms, but they also mean higher pollen counts. When you open windows for fresh air during cleaning, pollen can easily find its way inside, triggering allergies. Check local pollen forecasts before cleaning, and if pollen counts are high, consider cleaning during times of the day when pollen levels are lower.
Personal allergy sensitivity
Each person’s sensitivity to allergens varies, so while cleaning might exacerbate one person’s allergies, it may not affect another to the same extent. Understanding your specific triggers can help you take appropriate precautions and minimize allergy flare-ups during cleaning.
By implementing these practices, you can make your cleaning routine more allergy-friendly, ensuring your home is not only tidy but also a sanctuary of relief from seasonal allergies. Knowledge and proactive steps are your allies in the quest for a clean and allergy-conscious home in the Last Frontier.
Where can I find dependable maid services in Anchorage?
If your allergies cause severe reactions, the best way to take care of your health is delegating house cleaning tasks to professional cleaners. White Lilac offers a wide range of housekeeping services, and we’ll gladly provide you with helpful information about the optimal frequency of cleaning when you suffer from allergies, and the ways to keep your house clean during all seasons.
You can reach out to us whether you live close to Dave Rose Park, or anywhere else in the wider Anchorage area. Don’t risk your health, call us today!