The Common Cleaning Task That Can Minimize Allergies In The Fall & Winter

Depending on where you live and your own reactions to various allergens, the fall and winter seasons might be a struggle for you. While many people's allergies do worsen notably during the springtime, they can also peak in the colder months, specifically ragweed pollen, dust mites, and mold. Without realizing it, you track in countless allergens when you come inside your home, from your shoes and jacket to your hair and skin. Since keeping your windows open and properly ventilating your space can prove difficult during the fall and winter, there is one home hack you can try to prevent your allergies from getting any worse during these months: washing your bed sheets more frequently.

Due to there being less ventilation in your home during the colder months, it can become more prone to dust and allergens, such as dust mites and pet dander. One of the best ways to keep your home dust and allergen-free, besides allergen-proofing your windows and dusting consistently, is to toss your bedding into the washer at least once a week. Not only will this keep your room free of outside allergens, but the hot temperatures will help to get rid of dust mites. 

In order to properly remove allergens and kill dust mites trapped in your bedding, you should ensure the water is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit — the temperature that kills the unwanteds. Make sure to avoid overloading the washer so your sheets have room to fully clean. If you are unable to wash your bedding at that high temperature, you can instead toss the items in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at or above 130 degrees Fahrenheit. When your sheets and bedding are finished in the washer, don't forget to allow the fabrics to completely dry. Any leftover moisture from the washing machine could risk bacterial growth.  

You may also want to consider purchasing allergen-proof covers for your bedding and pillows as extra protection. You can find covers that are specifically designed to ward off dust mites. Investing in high-quality silk duvet bedding helps to keep dust mites away, as well. It also wouldn't hurt to regularly vacuum, sweep, and dust your bedrooms' floors.