Sixty-Seven Percent of Allergy Sufferers Spring Clean

According to a study conducted by the AAFA, sixty-seven percent of allergy sufferers clean their homes and work environments in the spring to help prevent their symptoms. A high percentage clean their environments, but how effective is their cleaning?

"Allergy and asthma control begins at home for more than 50 million Americans who have allergies, and the 20 million who have asthma," according to a news release statement by Mike Tringale, director of Marketing and Communications for AAFA in a news release statement. "When allergy sufferers clean properly, they can manage their indoor air quality, and lessen the nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, headaches and severe, flu-like symptoms, they often experience."

Common Indoor Allergy Triggers

The most common indoor allergy triggers; dust mites, pet dander and common household mold must be tackled appropriately to become effective. For instance, simply sweeping the floor could stir up pet dander and dust mites which in turn could trigger allergic reactions.

By following the guidelines the AAFA recommends below, your indoor air quality could become more bearable.

Cleaning Should Be Done By Non-Sensitive Individuals

Because of the potential sensitivities of allergy and asthma sufferers to cleaning products, cleaning should be done by non-sensitive individuals and the area should be allowed to ventilate before re-entry. Always read and follow all precautions and usage directions before using cleaning products.

Dust Mites And Pet Dander Management

To minimize dust mite and pet dander exposure, initiate the following preventive measures.

  • Maintain the humidity in your home below 50 percent
  • Vacuum regularly with a double-bag or Hepa vacuum cleaner
  • Keep pets off of the furniture
  • Bathe a cat or dog on a weekly basis
  • Encase mattresses and pillows in airtight, allergen proof covers
  • Wash bed linens in 130 degrees hot water once a week

"With indoor allergies, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure," according to a news release statement by Dr. Jay Portnoy, chief, Section of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, MO and author of a 2005 article on indoor air quality published in the Annals of Allergy. However, Dr. Portnoy states in his article that some indoor allergy triggers, like common household mold, are often overlooked and ineffectively addressed.

Common Household Mold Management

"People are often surprised to find out that their allergies can be triggered by common household mold," continued Dr. Portnoy, 'The Mold Doctor'. "I recommend that people who have mold allergies take simple actions to avoid exposure and reduce growth by managing moisture and cleaning regularly and properly."

  • Run the air conditioner during humid months
  • Fix leaky pipes to limit moisture in the home
  • Use exhaust fans to increase kitchen and bathroom ventilation
  • Clean and kill mold spores on hard, non-porous surfaces with an EPA-registered cleaning solution containing low concentrations of bleach
  • Remove moldy soft surfaces immediately

While soap and water may remove the mold stain from hard, non-porous surfaces, highly allergenic fragments still remain, quickly reproduce and potentially trigger allergies.