Allergy sufferers in the Illinois Valley have a harder time during the spring and summer months. Although many allergy cases need medical treatment, cleaning could ease the symptoms that indoor air triggers. In this blog, we tell you how vacuuming improves indoor air quality and, therefore, it could help you reduce your allergy symptoms. Read on!

What causes allergies

To prevent allergies, we need to understand what causes them in the first place. An allergy symptom occurs when your body’s immune system reacts to a foreign particle or substance. The allergy triggers are called allergens, and they could be food, medicine, or any other thing that is usually harmless to most people. When it comes to seasonal allergies, the triggers are airborne particles like pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. As professional cleaners, what we can do to prevent allergy symptoms is keeping your indoor air and surfaces free from allergens.

How vacuuming prevents allergies?

If a vacuum cleaner can suck up the particles that may be causing allergies, then vacuuming your home regularly should ease the symptoms. However, not every type of vacuum cleaner is capable of retaining those particles. Some allergens are so small that vacuum cleaners just spray them back into your room, even worsening the air quality. Using quality HEPA filter vacuums is your best option to retain most allergens.

What is a HEPA filter?

A HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter) is a type of pleated mechanical air filter. They remove 99.97% of airborne particles that are at least 0.3 microns in diameter. In other words, a HEPA filter can retain almost every allergen present in your home. These types of filters are not only used in vacuum cleaners. You can also find them in HVAC systems or air filters. 

What’s the best way to vacuum your home 

We already mention that a good quality HEPA filter vacuum can capture most allergens, but a  good technique is also needed. Check out these hacks to dust and vacuum your home—reducing most seasonal allergens indoors.

Use protective gear

A drawback of dusting and vacuuming is that you can stir up allergens inside your home. If you suffer from allergies, try to always use a mask and other protective gear while cleaning. 

Prepare your vacuum cleaner

Before starting your cleaning routine, empty the bag of your device and check for debris or hairs trapped in the brushes. Also, many vacuum cleaners have multiple attachments that are meant for specific tasks. Use the proper tools and accessories to get the best results. 

Dust from top to bottom

Vacuuming your carpets and floors is not as effective as dusting the entire room from top to bottom. Allergens can be on any surface. Start by wiping higher fixtures and vacuuming drapes or curtains. Don’t forget to clean window seals, furniture, and baseboards. If your vacuum doesn’t have attachments for these tasks, you can use a microfiber cloth to capture the particles.

Since 2008, Illinois Valley Clean Team helps busy homeowners with their housework. If keeping your home allergen-free sounds like too much hassle, check out the services we offer. We use backpack-style vacuums equipped with HEPA filters so that we can reach every spot in your home! Request your quote online fast and easily.