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Allergy-proofing the home
Once again it's spring - that rejuvenating time of year when
flowers bloom, gardens grow, and many of us restock our
cleaning supplies in preparation of a long-established
tradition: spring cleaning. But did you know that the annual
ritual of spring cleaning may be as good for your health as
it is for your home? Regular cleaning not only keeps dirt
and grime at bay, but toxins and allergens as well.
In light of that, my Client Appreciation Program this
month touches on the topic of home allergies, cleaning, and
how an extra thorough vacuuming can translate into a
healthier you. Allergies are an increasingly common problem,
but calming them can be as simple as maintaining a regular
cleaning schedule. In the enclosed article, you'll discover
what some of the most common allergens are and simple steps
you can take to keep them out of your home.
On the back of the article, you'll find a room-by-room
guide to banishing allergens from your home. You can tackle
these tasks on your own, but if you're in need of a referral
to a good trade or service professional, let me know. Since
I'm so active in the market, I've come across some excellent
resources and would love to share them with you.
Oh, by the way. . . .if you know of someone who is thinking
of buying or selling a home, and would appreciate the level
of service I provide, please call me with their name and
contact information, and I will be happy to follow-up and
take great care of them.
Sincerely,
 Sherry
Rich, REALTOR(r)
Sales Agent, RE/MAX Hall of Fame
Accredited Buyer Representative, Certified Relocation
Professional, Certified Residential Specialist, Graduate
REALTORS Institute |
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Allergy-Proofing the Home |
Do you often suffer from the sniffles and a sore
throat? Your home might be to blame.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and
Immunology, between 40 and 50 million people in the United
States suffer from allergies, and a large percentage of them
suffer from the effects of indoor allergens.
Controlling your indoor environment is your best defense
against allergies. Here are the most common and where they
are found:
Dust Mites
These bedroom dwellers feed on the shed skin of humans and
their pets, which means that they can be found throughout
your house. Because most of us spend much of our time at
home in the bedroom, they are especially populous there. The
most problematic items are your mattress and pillow, but you
can protect yourself by sealing these items in anti-allergen
coverings and washing your bedding and curtains frequently.
Mold
Any area of your home with high humidity or where water
accumulates is prone to mold kitchens, bathrooms and
basements are the best examples of such rooms. Mold thrives
around cracks where water seeps in; around leaks in hoses,
dishwashers and toilets; and under carpets that are
frequently exposed to moisture. Paying attention to these
areas and fixing leaks as they occur is your best prevention
against this type of allergen. Preventing mold also protects
your homes value!
Cockroaches
Despite their nasty personae, its not cockroaches that
people are allergic to, its their droppings. Unfortunately,
the protein in their dung is a primary trigger of allergic
reactions and asthma symptoms. Attracted to humid, dark
locales and exposed food sources, cockroaches are big fans
of the kitchen, but they also swarm to basements with leaky
pipes, as well as open garbage bins. Preventive measures
include keeping food tightly sealed and garbage containers
closed (or kept outside of your home), fixing leaky pipes
when they occur, and vacuuming and/or sweeping floors
frequently to make sure food crumbs are swept away. Another
simple, over-the-counter remedy is to place roach motels in
strategic locations throughout your home. However, if your
roach problem is exceptionally bad, consider hiring an
exterminator.
Pets
Proteins from dander the skin flakes that your dog or cat
sheds cause allergic reactions in many people. These
proteins can be found in household dust and lodged in
carpets and upholstery. If you are allergic to dander,
consider that while there are no allergen-free breeds, the
amount of dander produced varies by breed, so some breeds
may be more agreeable to allergy sufferers than others. Try
to spend time with someone elses dog or cat to determine if
youre allergic before getting a pet of your own. In
addition, some studies have shown that bathing your cat or
dog on a weekly basis can help to reduce the amount of
dander shed in your home.
Cleaning, Room
by Room
If you suffer
from constant allergies, one of the best ways to fight them
is by cleaning. Spring cleaning alone wont be enough to
stave off dust mites and cockroaches; in order to reduce
exposure you need ongoing home maintenance.
Tip: Wear a mask while youre cleaning so that you dont
inhale allergens.
Bedrooms
Wash sheets weekly in very hot water (130°F).
Wash other bedding regularly in very hot water (130°F) and
dry in a hot air dryer at least every eight weeks.
Vacuum your box spring and mattress; encase each in an
anti-allergen covering and wipe off with a clean, damp
cloth.
Dust and vacuum all surfaces weekly.
Keep pets out of your bedroom.
Kitchens
Clean the inside and outside of your refrigerator monthly.
Clean crumbs, grease and water from stove, flooring, and
countertops regularly.
Empty trash cans daily, and clean them on a regular basis.
Clean the area under your sink, keeping it dry and
reducing clutter. Dispose of any paper grocery bags, as they
are a favorite hiding place for roaches.
Keep food containers tightly sealed.
Wash and dry dishes as soon as possible after eating.
Living/Dining
Vacuum once per week more often if you have a paper
and if possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter in order to
keep fewer allergens from circulating into the air.
Clean light fixtures and fans monthly, using a clean, damp
cloth.
Vacuum upholstered furniture regularly; steam clean
furniture and carpets at least once a year.
Keep your fireplace clean and maintained; dont store
mold-prone firewood indoors.
Basements
Remove carpet from slab concrete floors to prevent mold
growth.
Periodically check pipes; fix any leaks.
Ventilation
Clean ductwork regularly to prevent allergens from
building up in your central heating and air systems.
Change and clean cooling and heating system filters
monthly.
Bathrooms
Clean showers and bathtubs weekly, making sure to clear
out soap scum in the process.
Wipe up water around showers and bathtubs after every
shower, and keep the shower door or curtain open during the
day so that the walls will dry.
Use an exhaust fan and/or keep widows open during showers
to lower humidity in the room.
Wash towels and bath mats often.
Clean the area under the sink. Repair any leaks.
All Rooms
Consider solid surface flooring (linoleum, hardwood, or
laminate) instead of carpet.
Regularly wipe dust from walls, ceilings, and furniture
with a damp cloth.
Allow natural sunshine into your home to reduce mold
growth.
Seal any cracks around the walls, floors, or cabinets
where roaches can sneak in.
Use shades or washable curtains for window coverings; wipe
shades with a clean, damp cloth and wash curtains regularly.
Clear out clutter get rid of dried flower arrangements
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E-mail:
sherryrich@wesellmore.com Direct:
(443) 535-0996 Cell: (410) 978-9532
Office: (410) 730-6100 or (800) 899-7629 Fax (410)
740-8258
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