Combat Allergies with Spring Cleaning

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• While most people look forward to blooming
  wildflowers and spring fever, allergy sufferers
  wait in dread for spring allergies to kick in
  with a vengeance.
• According to the American College of Allergy,
  Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), many are allergic
  to indoor irritants all year, but springtime
  brings on a new level of exposure to pollens.
• Remove allergens inside the home and reduce the
  chances of new ones entering. Here are some
  practical ways spring cleaning services can aid
  in your anti-allergy battle.

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• Understanding the source of your own allergies is
  the first step. See an allergist for skin or
  blood tests to pinpoint the cause of symptoms.
• The most common allergens include pollen, mold,
  dust mites, and animal dander.1 Fortunately,
  there are ways to limit all of them. If your
  symptoms noticeably worsen in spring, try
  prescription or over-the-counter treatments.
• Limit exposure by staying indoors on windy or
  high pollen-count days. Keep windows closed and
  use air conditioning.

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• Wherever you have dust, you are harboring a
  thriving population of dust mitesnot a healthy
  situation.
• One of the most common allergy sources, dust
  mites are microscopic critters that love moist
  environments. They thrive on dust and dead
  skinyuck.
• Clean air vents and change filters regularly to
  prevent both pollen and dust from circulating.
  Direct your maid service to vacuum often and be
  sure furniture is movedyour allergies know
  whats hiding under there.

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• Ceiling fans keep you cool in summer and save on
  air conditioning, but they are a major hangout
  for dust. Remember to dust or vacuum them
  regularly and wipe down the blades every few
  months.
• Your mattress is a safe havenfor dust mites!
  Give mattresses a deep vacuuming with a
  super-clean vacuum, then encase in
  hypo-allergenic dust covers. Youll find sizes
  made for box springs and pillows as well.
• Change bed linen at least weekly, and launder in
  hot water to kill the mites. Apply the same
  treatment to throws, decorative pillows, or
  stuffed animals that come in contact with skin.

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• Mold loves a dark, moist environment, which
  explains why it creeps in where water
  accumulates, like the bathroom and kitchen. Run
  fans to pull moisture out of damp air and use a
  squeegee to remove excess water from shower walls
  and glass surfaces.
• Get rid of mold with a solution of very mild
  bleach in water, or treat with borax and water to
  prevent growth.2
• A kitchen sink is prime real estate for mold,
  especially if it lacks direct lighting. Add
  under-cabinet lighting around sink or counters.
  Wipe down counters frequently and follow with a
  dry cloth to eliminate standing water or
  dampness.

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• Pet dander, the protein contained in the animals
  skin and saliva, and is carried on loose fur. It
  can cause increasingly worse symptoms with
  prolonged exposure.1
• If youve gotten the tragic news that your
  allergy is due to Fluffy or Spot, stay calm.
  There are plenty of ways to minimize symptoms
  without saying goodbye to your favorite family
  member.
• Step up your cleaning routine to remove cat or
  dog hair from furniture and clothing as
  frequently as possible.

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• Stock up on lint rollers, one of the handiest
  tools to remove fur. Brush your pet often to
  collect loose hair before it ends up on your
  floor or couch, and bathe your dog weekly (some
  cats are bathable, too)but take precautions.
• Change your clothing and wash hands and face
  immediately after handling your pet, and after
  cleaning.
• Ban your pet from the bedroom. This may be too
  difficult for some pet-lovers, but could
  drastically improve symptoms. You spend up to 8
  hours a day or more in there, so keep it
  allergen-free to feel better.

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• How many hours can you invest in anti-allergy
  cleaning? Small steps can become a daily routine,
  but get ahead of springs onslaught by hiring a
  housekeeping specialist.
• Your home gets a thorough spring cleaning in just
  a few hours from professionals who tackle
  accumulated dust, mold, and pet dander.
• Use a cleaning services team like 2 Local Gals
  Housekeeping to help you beat those pesky
  allergies.

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• Founded in 1999 by, of course, 2 Local Gals in
  Salt Lake City, 2 Local Gals Housekeeping is
  proud to employ more than 20 gals who love to do
  house cleaning the right way! Services are
  offered hourly, with free quotes in advance,
  customized to whatever your home or office needs.
• Visit our website to get a free quote, at
  http//www.2localgals.com/.

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Sources

• http//www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/allergy-trigg
  ers
• http//www.lifescript.com/health/centers/allergies
  /articles/the_allergy_sufferers_guide_to_spring_cl
  eaning.aspx