Spring cleaning can be especially useful for allergy sufferers, as dust, dust mites, pet dander, mould, and pollen can build up around the home. A thorough clean can help reduce exposure to some indoor allergens, while areas such as carpets, upholstery, mould-affected surfaces and hard-to-reach spaces may be better handled by professional cleaners.
If you are planning spring cleaning and you suffer from allergies, it helps to know which parts of the home deserve the most attention and which jobs are worth bringing in a professional for.
Indoor allergens can collect in fabrics, carpets, bedding and other areas around the home. Dust mites, for example, can be found in mattresses, pillows, carpets and upholstered furniture, while mould can develop where there is excess moisture. Pet allergens can also settle on soft furnishings and floors.
Spring can also bring higher levels of outdoor pollen, which may enter the home through open doors, windows and clothing. Keeping indoor spaces clean can reduce allergen material around the home, although cleaning alone will not prevent seasonal allergies.
Bedrooms and living areas are good places to prioritise because they contain many soft surfaces that can hold dust and allergens.
Bedding, mattresses, rugs, carpets, curtains, sofas and other upholstered furniture can all collect dust, pet dander and other particles. Clean bedding regularly, and mattresses and upholstered furniture can benefit from a deeper clean.
Carpets are another area worth considering. Regular vacuuming can remove some surface allergens, but a professional carpet cleaner can provide a more thorough clean, particularly when carpets have accumulated dust, pet hair or stains over time.
If you have pets, include their beds and favourite resting areas in the cleaning plan. Pet allergens can remain on furniture and other surfaces even after the animal has moved elsewhere.
Mould is a common indoor allergen and can grow where moisture persists. Bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, basements and areas affected by leaks are worth checking during a spring clean.
Look particularly closely around shower areas, ceilings, window frames, grout, cupboards and plumbing fixtures. Persistent mould can indicate an underlying moisture problem, so cleaning the visible growth may not address the source.
For extensive mould, water damage or recurring growth, it is worth arranging professional cleaning and, where necessary, having the underlying moisture issue investigated.
Kitchens and laundries can accumulate more moisture and grime than other parts of the home, making them useful areas to include in a seasonal clean.
In the kitchen, areas such as rangehood filters, cupboard tops, splashbacks, appliance surfaces and floors can collect grease and dust. Check around sinks and plumbing connections for signs of leaks or moisture.
In the laundry, pay attention to areas around the washing machine and dryer, including seals, lint build-up and damp surfaces. Poor ventilation can contribute to excess moisture, which can encourage mould growth.
These areas can be easy to overlook during routine cleaning, so including them in a professional spring clean can help cover the less frequently cleaned parts of the home.
Some cleaning jobs can expose you to the very allergens you are trying to reduce. Vacuuming carpets, disturbing accumulated dust, cleaning mould and moving dusty furniture can temporarily put particles into the air.
Professional cleaners can also take on jobs that require specialised equipment or more time than a standard house clean.
Carpets, rugs, mattresses and upholstered furniture can hold dust, pet dander and other allergens. A professional cleaner can use specialised equipment to clean these surfaces more deeply than a standard surface clean.
This can be particularly useful in homes with extensive carpeting, indoor pets, or upholstered furniture that hasn't been professionally cleaned in some time.
Small areas of surface mould may be straightforward to address, but larger areas, recurring mould or mould associated with water damage require more care.
Professional cleaners can assess the job and use the right equipment and products for the affected surface. If the mould is linked to a leak or ongoing moisture problem, you'll also need to address the source.
Ceiling fans, high windows, light fittings, vents, blinds, and the tops of cupboards can collect dust without you noticing during regular cleaning.
These jobs can also involve ladders or awkward positions. Including them in a professional spring clean makes it easier to cover often-missed areas.
If the home has built up significant dust and grime over several months, a professional deep clean can cover multiple areas in one visit.
This may include floors, bathrooms, kitchens, dusting, internal windows and other surfaces, depending on the cleaner and the service booked. For allergy sufferers, having someone else handle dust-heavy cleaning can also reduce direct exposure while the work is being carried out.
Cleaning is only one part of managing indoor allergens. Ventilation and moisture levels also affect the indoor environment.
During periods of high outdoor pollen, keeping windows closed can help limit pollen entering the home for people who are sensitive to it. Exhaust fans can help remove moisture from bathrooms and laundries, while leaks and water damage should be addressed promptly.
Air-conditioning and ventilation system filters also need regular attention. The appropriate filter and replacement schedule will depend on the system and manufacturer.
When looking for a cleaner, explain that the job is a spring or deep clean and mention any areas that are particularly important, such as carpets, upholstery, bathrooms, mould-affected areas or pet-heavy rooms.
Also ask what equipment and cleaning services are included before accepting a quote. If you need carpet or upholstery cleaning as well as general house cleaning, check whether the same business offers these services or if you need to book them separately.
If spring cleaning is likely to leave you sneezing before you finish the first room, a professional cleaner can handle the dust-heavy, hard-to-reach work.