Have you already made your spring cleaning and home maintenance checklist? If you have allergies, there are a few extra tasks you’ll want to add to improve indoor air quality in your home. Spring cleaning is not only a chance to get your home looking and smelling its best, but an opportunity to improve air quality at the same time.

Cut Down on Pet Hair in the Air

If you or your family suffers from allergies and own a pet, then cutting down on pet hair and dander indoors is your #1 job to keep breathing easy.

Start in the basement with your HVAC unit. Ensure that you change your filter every month. It is worth investing in a high-quality HEPA filter that will trap much of the hair and dander. Get your ducts cleaned as well, as pet hair can be lingering inside.

Keep your pet outside as much as is reasonable. When they are inside, create an area of the home that is easily maintained and cleaned for them to spend most of their time. Ideally, the area should be on wood, tile or vinyl flooring. Never let them on your bed. Cover your furniture in washable slipcovers and wash weekly in hot, soapy water.

Do Extra Cleaning at the Beginning of Spring

The very beginning of the season is an excellent time to take additional tasks to get your home really clean. Hose down your garage and clean the drain. Clean windows and screens. Power wash the deck and wipe down exterior lighting.

Mold can create a lot of respiratory problems but is commonly found in homes, particularly in moist areas. In your kitchen, pull out appliances and check for mold growth on the floor and walls. Clean thoroughly. Clean grout between tiles. In the bathrooms, if you’ve got wallpaper, it is time for a makeover because wallpaper retains too much moisture. Replace with tile.

Steam clean carpets and upholstery.

Good Cleaning Habits to Reduce Indoor Allergens

Your first line of defense against allergens is a whole home purifier, preferably with a HEPA filter. This can significantly reduce allergens of all kinds inside your home. In addition to the purifier, adopting several cleaning habits can help reduce dust and other allergens. Vacuum weekly with a HEPA filter and dust surfaces after with a damp rag. Launder your bedding every week in hot soapy water.

Avoid clutter wherever possible, as clutter gathers dust. It’s a good season to gather up unwanted items and have a garage sale or donate to charity. When you are cleaning, make sure that you use green products only. The heavy scents in commercial cleaners can trigger asthma attacks or allergic reactions.

If you haven’t had a tune-up in a while, it is time to schedule your appointment. A smoothly running machine will help with energy efficiency and improve air quality.

In Dundalk, MD, call Reliability Home Heating & Air Conditioning at (443) 399-8663.