Fall Allergies Hitting Hard this Year?   Fight Back with Our Eco-Friendly Allergen Removal Tips!  

Does this sound like you?! The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, but instead of enjoying pumpkin spice everything, you’re reaching for the box of tissues! If you’re an allergy sufferer, you know fall allergies can turn the season into a sneezing, wheezing nightmare. But don’t resign yourself to months of misery just yet! Ecomaids is here to help you transform your home into an allergen-free oasis with our eco-friendly allergen removal tips. 

In this article, we’ll explain why fall allergies are so tough to combat this year, and share three simple strategies—Filter, Dust, and Contain—to help you breathe easier at home this season. 

Why are Fall Allergies So Bad This Year? 

Fall allergens are tough to avoid because they’re everywhere. Many experts say this season may be worse than ever due to factors like an increase in the ragweed population and shifting climate conditions. 

The main culprits of fall allergies are below: 

Ragweed Pollen: Ragweed plants release pollen from August to November, peaking in mid-September. Each plant can produce up to a billion grains of pollen! Experts say the ragweed season is getting longer and more intense due to climate change. 

Mold Spores: Fallen leaves create a damp, decaying environment where mold thrives. Mold spores become airborne and can easily enter your home. 

Dust Mites: These tiny creatures love the mild, humid conditions of fall. They settle in your bedding, upholstery, and carpets, making allergy symptoms worse. 

So, what’s the solution? 

Make Your Home an Allergy-Free Sanctuary 

You can’t control allergens outside, but you can create a safe haven inside your home. Our three-step approach—Filter, Dust, and Contain—will help you cut down indoor allergens without increasing your carbon footprint.

1. Filter

Invest in a High-Quality Air Purifier 

Your first defense against airborne allergens is a good air purifier with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, effectively capturing ragweed pollen (10-20 microns), mold spores (2-20 microns), and even bacteria (0.5-5 microns). For comparison, a human hair is about 70 microns in diameter—30 times larger than the largest fine particle. In fact, the human eye can only see objects larger than 40 microns. 

Why Use Air Purifiers Over HVAC Filters? 

While upgrading your HVAC system with HEPA filters helps, most heating and cooling systems don’t run constantly during mild fall weather. Air purifiers, however, work independently, providing continuous filtration. 

Eco-Friendly Air Purifier Tip: 

Opt for models with washable pre-filters. A washable pre-filter captures larger particles, extending the life of the HEPA filter. Some modern air purifiers have HEPA filters that last up to five years, reducing waste and the need for frequent replacements—great for both your wallet and the planet! 

Upgrade Your Vacuum Cleaner 

 A vacuum with HEPA filtration is the perfect sidekick to your air purifier. Traditional vacuums can suck up allergens and blow them back into the air. A HEPA-filtered vacuum traps these particles, preventing recirculation and giving your air an extra deep clean while you vacuum your floors. 

Eco-Friendly Vacuum Tips: 

• Go Bagless: Choose a bagless vacuum with washable filters to cut down on waste. 

• Invest in Quality: A well-made vacuum with a solid warranty lasts longer than a cheaper product, reducing waste and long-term costs. 

2. Dust

Use Microfiber Cleaning Tools 

Dusting is key to removing allergens that settle on surfaces, but not all dusting methods are the same. 

Why Microfiber? 

Microfiber is your best option for grabbing allergens. Microfiber towels and dusters can capture up to 99.5% of dirt and germs, unlike feather dusters that just push allergens back into the air. Plus, high-quality microfiber products can handle up to 500 washes, making them an eco-friendly choice.  

Eco-Friendly Microfiber Tips: 

• Choose High GSM Microfiber: Look for towels with at least 300 GSM (grams per square meter) for better durability and effectiveness.
• Pick the Right Duster: Avoid fluffy microfiber dusters that fall apart after washing. Instead, go for microfiber chenille dusters with tiny “fingers” that grab dust in tight spaces and are durable enough for the washer and dryer.

• Dust Regularly:  Make it a habit to dust all major horizontal surfaces at least every other week. If you don’t have an air purifier, try dusting weekly to keep allergen levels low. 

3. Contain

Encase Your Bedding 

We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, so your bed can be a major source of allergen exposure, especially from dust mites. 

Why Use Mattress and Pillow Protectors? 

•  Barrier Protection: Encasements create a physical barrier that prevents dust mites, bed bugs, mold, and bacteria from settling in your bedding. 

•  Allergen Reduction: By blocking access to food sources like dead skin cells and moisture, you starve existing dust mites and prevent new ones from thriving. 

Eco-Friendly Encasement Tip: 

• Invest in Quality Encasements: Choose mattress protectors that are waterproof, allergen-proof, and come with a long warranty. They should be machine washable and dryable for easy maintenance and to kill germs when necessary. 

The Impact on Your Health 

By protecting your bedding, you ensure your entire body, especially your airways, gets proper rest. Continuous exposure to allergens while you sleep can worsen symptoms, irritating your nasal passages and making daytime allergens even harder to handle.

Even MORE Eco-Friendly Allergy Tips: 

• Remove Shoes at the Door: Keep pollen and mold spores from being tracked inside. Plus, it’s a great excuse to slip into some cozy fall slippers! 

• Keep Windows Closed: Fresh air is nice, but also brings allergens inside. Use your air purifier to keep indoor air fresh without the pollen. 

Regular Laundry Routine: Wash bedding and washable plush items in hot water weekly to kill dust mites. 

Avoid Chemical & Fragrance Sprays: Opt for natural, low-to-fragrance-free cleaning products and avoid spray air fresheners. This helps reduce irritating chemicals and perfumes in your air, which can bother sensitive airways.  

Let ecomaids Help You Breathe Easier 

We know managing allergies can be overwhelming. That’s why ecomaids offers professional cleaning services that prioritize your health and the environment. Our trained staff uses eco-friendly products and techniques to effectively reduce allergens in your home. 

• HEPA Vacuuming: We use HEPA-filtered vacuums to ensure allergens are trapped and removed. 

• Microfiber Cleaning: Our team uses high-quality microfiber cloths and dusters to capture dust and allergens from your surfaces. 

• Green Cleaning Products: We avoid harsh chemicals that can aggravate allergies, opting instead for safe, plant-based alternatives. 

Ready to take control of your indoor air quality? Let ecomaids partner with you on your journey to a healthier, happier home.