Fall Allergies and Humidity in Houston: Cleaning Habits That Help

Houston's Allergy Calendar

If it feels like allergy season never ends in Houston, the calendar backs you up. Grass pollen leads in spring and trees and weeds carry into summer and fall. Ragweed typically peaks in late September or early October. Mold can trigger symptoms all year, especially after rainy days when it is warm and humid. Then mountain cedar arrives from December through February.

A clean house will not change the pollen count outside. What it can do is cut down on what settles inside, on surfaces, floors and fabrics, where you spend most of your time.

Dust the Right Way

• Use a damp microfiber cloth. A dry duster pushes particles back into the air. A damp cloth traps them.
• Work top to bottom. Ceiling fans and shelves first, baseboards and floors last, so nothing falls on a surface you already cleaned.
• Do not skip the edges. Baseboards, door molding and window sills collect what blows in every time the door opens.

Floors and Entryways

• Stop it at the door. A mat outside and another inside catch pollen and mud from shoes and paws.
• Vacuum rugs and carpet often. A vacuum with a HEPA filter keeps more fine particles from blowing back out.
• Mop hard floors after vacuuming. Fine dust that the vacuum misses comes up with a damp mop.

Bedding and Fabrics

You spend a third of your day in bed, so this is where cleaning habits pay off most. Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly in hot water, and wash throw blankets and couch covers every few weeks during peak season. If pets sleep on the furniture, vacuum the upholstery each week.

Bathrooms and Humidity

Houston humidity gives mold an easy start in bathrooms. Run the exhaust fan during and after showers, squeegee glass doors and wipe down grout lines and the top lip of the tub regularly. After a rainy week, check window sills and under sinks for moisture.

Vents and A/C Returns

Many Houston homes run the A/C most of the year, and every vent and return moves dust through the house. Dust vent covers and returns during your regular cleaning, and follow your A/C manufacturer's schedule for changing filters. Vent cleaning is part of every deep clean we do.

How Often to Clean During Allergy Season

For households with allergies, weekly or bi-weekly service keeps dust and dander from building up between visits. Read our guide on how often to get your house cleaned to pick a schedule.

Every visit follows the Yellow Rose Standard, so baseboards, door molding, light switches and ceiling fans are covered every time, not just when someone remembers.