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The Right Way to Spring Clean Old wives' tales have clouded the understanding of how to properly clean and remove common household allergens. Get the facts behind three spring- cleaning myths. 1. True or False: Opening the windows on sunny days brings much-needed fresh air into your home. False. Opening windows can cool the home but also can usher in pollen, which spells trouble for people with seasonal allergies. 2. True or False: The best dusting tool is a dry microfi ber cloth. True. Furniture polish releases chemicals into the air and can leave an oily residue that attracts dust over time, while feather dusters scatter dust, which can later resettle on furniture and carpet. Opt for a microfi ber cloth and, in addition to dusting, vacuum carpets twice weekly. 3. True or False: Mold grows in moist environments. True. The only way to prevent mold is to reduce indoor moisture. To make sure indoor humidity stays between 30 and 60 percent, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends using exhaust fans while showering and cooking, running the air conditioning when possible, and, if necessary, investing in a dehumidifi er. Getting ready to scrub existing mold? You don't have to invest in pricey cleaners — water and dishwashing detergent will do the trick. FOR A TOXIN-FREE CLEAN, GO GREEN Many cleaning products and air fresheners contain chemicals that can irritate your eyes and skin and worsen allergy symptoms. Make your home sparkle with homemade solutions featuring kitchen staples, such as vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice. Vinegar helps remove dirt and mold, while baking soda is a natural deodorant that freshens carpets and furniture. For an effective, all-purpose surface cleaner, try this recipe from the University of Rhode Island: Mix ∏ cup vinegar and ∑ cup baking soda with eight cups water. As soon as the fi rst blooms of spring appear, many families wage war on dust, cobwebs and mold. This spring, make sure your tidying e orts are truly e ective. To find a doctor who can help you put together an allergy- and asthma-safe cleaning plan, visit christushealth.org/christusnow. christushealth.org/christusnow. christushealth.org/christusnow. The Sneezin' Season For many, the joy of spring is tempered by the arrival of seasonal allergies. Not sure if you have a cold or hay fever? You can probably blame allergies if: • You get sick every year when the seasons change. • Your primary symptoms are itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose. In some cases, allergies can cause coughing, sore throats and fatigue, but these symptoms are more commonly associated with colds. • Your sneezing lingers. Colds usually last no more than 10 days. Allergy symptoms may persist as long as the allergen is circulating in the air. If you suspect you have seasonal allergies, talk with your doctor. Medications, such as antihistamines and allergy shots, can keep your symptoms in check. 10 stvin.org To find a physician who can help you put together an allergy- and asthma-safe cleaning plan, visit stvin.org or call (505) 913-3000.