Top High-Touch Surfaces in Your Home to Clean During Allergy Season

For allergy sufferers, the arrival of spring can be both a blessing and a curse. While the warmer weather and blooming flowers are welcome, the accompanying increase in pollen, dust, and other allergens can make life miserable. These irritants can quickly accumulate on surfaces throughout your home, triggering symptoms like sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. To reduce your exposure and breathe easier, it's essential to regularly clean the high-touch surfaces that collect the most allergens. Here are the top spots to target in your anti-allergy cleaning routine:

Doorknobs, Handles, and Light Switches

Think about how many times a day you touch doorknobs, cabinet pulls, appliance handles, and light switches. These high-contact surfaces are major transfer points for allergens (not to mention germs). Every time you come in from outside or touch a contaminated surface, you can deposit allergens on these spots, where they'll be picked up by the next person who touches them. To cut down on this cycle of cross-contamination, give these surfaces a quick daily wipe down with a microfiber cloth dampened with a fragrance-free all-purpose cleaner or disinfecting solution.

Countertops and Tables

Kitchen and bathroom counters and dining tables are other prime spots for allergen buildup. We often set down bags, mail, keys, and other items that have been outside on these surfaces, transferring pollen and other irritants. In the kitchen, crumbs and food residue can also attract pests like cockroaches and rodents, whose droppings can trigger allergies. To keep these surfaces allergen-free, clear clutter daily, then clean and disinfect using a damp cloth or sponge. Avoid using a brush, which can stir up dust and make allergies worse.

Upholstered Furniture

Soft surfaces like couches, chairs, and curtains are a haven for dust mites, pet fur, pollen, and other allergens. Dust mites in particular thrive in the warm, humid environment of upholstery, feeding on the dead skin cells that collect there. To combat these microscopic pests, vacuum upholstered furniture weekly using the brush attachment. Go over each surface multiple times from different angles to capture as many allergens as possible. For curtains and drapes, shake them outside first to dislodge dust, then launder in hot water or vacuum thoroughly.

Electronics

Dust seems to be magnetically attracted to computers, TVs, phones, remote controls, and other electronics. These devices also tend to be warm, which can speed up dust accumulation. Wipe electronics down weekly with a dry microfiber cloth or one lightly dampened with a cleaning solution safe for electronics (spray the cloth rather than the device to avoid damage). Pay special attention to the crevices of keyboards, a favorite hiding spot for dust and crumbs.

Bedding and Towels

You spend hours a day in close contact with your sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels, so keeping them clean is crucial for managing allergies. Dust mites love to burrow in bedding, thriving on the warmth, humidity, and shed skin cells. Washing sheets, pillowcases, and blankets weekly in hot water (at least 130°F) will kill dust mites and remove accumulated allergens. Dry on high heat as well for extra protection. Don't forget to wash duvet covers, shams, and mattress pads every few weeks too. Stuffed toys and throw pillows should also be laundered regularly. Bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths need frequent washing to prevent mildew growth, another allergy trigger.

Floors and Rugs

Gravity eventually pulls allergens down to settle on the floors, where they can easily be stirred up by passing foot traffic. Carpets and rugs are especially problematic, as they can trap allergens deep within their fibers. Vacuum carpets and rugs at least twice a week, making several slow passes over each area to pull up as much dust and dander as possible. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter, which traps small particles like pollen and dust mites instead of releasing them back into the air. Wash the vacuum filter monthly to keep it working effectively. For hard floors, damp mop weekly with plain water or a mild soap solution.

Pet Beds and Toys

If you have furry family members, their beds, blankets, and toys can be major allergen collectors. Pet dander, dried saliva, dust mites, and pollen can all accumulate on these items, triggering allergies in sensitive individuals. To minimize exposure, wash pet bedding and soft toys weekly in hot water. For plastic or rubber toys, scrub them in warm, soapy water and rinse well. Regularly vacuum any furniture or carpets your pets spend time on, using an attachment to get into crevices.

Air Filters and Vents

While not a surface per se, your home's HVAC system can have a big impact on indoor allergens. Heating and cooling vents can blow dust and other irritants around the house, while dirty filters can harbor mold and fail to trap incoming allergens. Check your HVAC filters monthly and replace them at least every 3 months (more often if you have pets or severe allergies). Vacuum or dust vents and registers to keep them clear.

Ceiling Fans and Blinds

Ceiling fans and window blinds are often overlooked in regular cleaning, but they can be significant dust catchers. Over time, allergens can build up on fan blades and blind slats, getting dispersed into the air whenever they're used. To keep these fixtures allergen-free, use a microfiber duster with an extension pole to clean fan blades and the tops of blinds monthly. For a deeper clean, wipe blades and slats down with a damp cloth.

Trash Cans

Trash cans, particularly those in the kitchen and bathroom, can be a surprising source of allergens. Mold spores and bacteria can grow in the residue that collects in the bottom of the can, while dust and dander can stick to the sides. Empty trash daily to prevent buildup, and give cans a thorough cleaning monthly. Wash the inside and outside with hot, soapy water, then spray with a disinfectant and let air dry.By focusing your cleaning efforts on these high-touch surfaces, you can significantly reduce the allergen load in your home and improve your indoor air quality. Consistency is key - a quick daily wipe down plus deeper weekly cleaning will help keep allergies under control all season long. Always use fragrance-free, non-toxic cleaning products to avoid irritating your airways further. If your allergies are severe, consider wearing a dust mask while cleaning to minimize exposure.

Remember, while apartment cleaning is important, it's just one part of a comprehensive allergy management plan. Other steps like using allergen-proof bedding, keeping windows closed during high pollen days, showering before bed, and using an air purifier can also help reduce your symptoms. If your allergies are severe or persistent, talk to your doctor about additional treatment options like medications or immunotherapy. With a regular cleaning routine targeting allergen hot spots and a personalized treatment plan, you can take control of your allergies and enjoy a comfortable, sneeze-free spring at home.