August 2026 Newsletter – Allergy Alert

When you get home at the end of a busy day, it feels good to take a nice deep breath in
anticipation of a quiet evening indoors. But when you take that nice deep breath, do you ever
stop to consider the quality of the air in your home, especially if you or your family have allergies. Here are tips to allergy-proof your home and breathe easier.

Here are some room-by-room suggestions.

Entire House:

Temperature and humidity. Hot, humid houses are breeding grounds for dust mites and mold. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends maintaining indoor relative humidity levels between 30% and 50 and keeping the temperature between 68° F and 72° F for human health and comfort. Cleaning or replacing small-particle filters in central heating and cooling systems and in room air conditioners at least once a month is recommended.

Pests. Control cockroaches and mice with traps from the hardware store. If that’s not effective, hire a professional exterminator. To remove allergy-triggering insect and mouse residue, vacuum carpeting and wash hard surfaces. To prevent re-infestation, seal cracks or other possible entryways.

Mold. Close doors and windows during warm weather and use air conditioning and dehumidifiers. Excessive humidity can create an environment where microbes can flourish and create an unsanitary condition. In addition, higher humidity can result in condensation of water on surfaces, creating a perfect incubator for mold, which can exacerbate asthma and allergies. Finally, check the roof and ceilings for water leaks. If mold persists, or if you have questions, call Gerlach Cleaning Services. We will be happy to help you.

Pet Management. Bathe furry pets weekly to reduce dander, launder their bedding often, and keep them out of your bedroom.

Weekly cleaning routine. Damp mop flooring and vacuum carpeting. Use a HEPA filter. Use a damp cloth to clean all other surfaces. Also, leave shoes by the door and change clothes when entering from outside to stop pollen from spreading.

Smoking. Don’t allow smoking anywhere inside your home.

Bedroom

Bed and bedding. Use zippered, allergen-resistant covers on mattresses and box springs to block dust mites. Wash all bedding in hot water weekly and dry on a hot cycle. Replace wool or feather bedding with synthetic materials.

Windows. Close windows and rely on air conditioning during pollen season. Clean mold and condensation from window frames and sills.

Clutter. Remove items that collect dust, such as knickknacks, tabletop ornaments, books and magazines. Store children’s toys, games and stuffed animals in plastic bins.

Air filtration. Choose an air filter that has a small-particle or HEPA filter. Try adjusting your air filter so that it directs clean air toward your head when you sleep.

Kitchen

Stove. Install and use a vented exhaust fan to remove cooking fumes and reduce moisture. Most stove-top hoods simply filter cooking particulates without venting outside.

Sink. Wash dishes daily. Scrub the sink and faucets to remove mold and food debris.

Refrigerator. Wipe up excessive moisture to avoid mold growth. Discard moldy or out-of-date food. Regularly empty and clean the dripping pan and clean or replace moldy rubber seals around doors.

Cabinets and counters. Clean cabinets and countertops with detergent and water. Check under-sink cabinets for plumbing leaks. Store food — including pet food — in sealed containers.

Food waste. Place garbage in a can with an insect-proof lid and empty trash daily. Keeping the kitchen free of food crumbs will help reduce rodents or cockroaches.

Bathroom

Ventilation. Install and use an exhaust fan to reduce moisture during baths or showers.

Floors. Use tile, vinyl or linoleum flooring. Use washable rugs.

Walls. Remove wallpaper and install tile, or paint the walls with mold-resistant enamel paint.

Shower and tub. Towel-dry the tub and enclosure after use. Scrub mold from the tub, shower and faucets with bleach. Clean or replace moldy shower curtains and bathmats.

Toilet and sink. Scrub mold from plumbing fixtures. Repair leaks. 

Our goal at Gerlach Cleaning Services is to keep your family healthy and your home clean and sanitary. Please call us if you have any questions or need a free quote on our cleaning services. It’s always our pleasure to help.