With the sunny skies, and backyard barbecues and gorgeous gardens in full bloom, who doesn’t love summer?
If you’re one of the many who suffer from allergies, the season many wait for all year could indeed bring some added challenges.
While many associate spring with peak allergy season, summer is the time when grass and weeds pollinate. Dust mites also peak during summer heat and who can resist playing with pets in the great outdoors on a nice day?
The good news is that in addition to personal allergy care, such as antihistamines, some basic steps around the home can help minimize the impacts of allergies, so we can get back to enjoying the summer!
The professionals at COIT share these seven simple home remedies to create a home ready for summer allergy season:
- Dust and vacuum more often – Dust and vacuum twice a week to keep pesky dust and pollen particles out of the air. Hard flooring will hold less irritants than carpet. Also, consider decluttering. The less surfaces dust can stick to, the happier you’ll be.
- Clean area rugs, drapes, and upholstery – Soft fabrics hold more allergens than hard surfaces and blinds. Do not let dust build up on rugs, drapes and upholstery. Vacuum regularly and get area rugs, drapes, and upholstery professionally cleaned to remove dust, mould and mite buildup.
- Get air ducts cleaned – Schedule regular air duct cleanings, so that ducts remain clear of mould spores, pollen, and other allergens that can get re-circulated through the home. Over time, these contaminants can build up inside your ductwork, making the system a breeding ground for mould spores, bacteria, fungus, mildew,and other microbes. COIT recommends having your air ducts cleaned every two to three years.
- Change air filters regularly – Changing the air filter is important for keeping your HVAC system running efficiently and helps keep air ducts clear between regular cleanings. Change filters according to manufacturer’s instructions, typically between 30 and 60 days, with additional considerations such as pets and traffic.
- Bath pets regularly – Bath pets every week or two to minimize dander and get rid of the pollen they gather when playing outdoors.
- Manage humidity – Excessive moisture will encourage mould growth. Be sure to fix leaking pipes and make sure that kitchens, bathrooms and basements have proper ventilation. Use a dehumidifier if it’s especially humid in your area.
When more allergy prevention help is needed
If despite your best allergy-prevention cleaning, is not quite enough and more help is needed – or maybe you’d simply rather be enjoying the summer weather – leave it to the experts and call Coit!
Coit Cleaning and Restoration Services’ trained technicians offer professional deep clean services, including steps to reduce the level of allergens in the home. Learn more at www.coit.ca or call COIT in Nanaimo at