How to Reduce Allergens in the Bathroom

May is National Allergy/Asthma Awareness Month. Itching, sneezing, runny nose - there’s nothing more irritating than those pesky allergens that creep inside your home. One of biggest problem areas in the house? It may surprise you, but your bathroom is the number one spot. Why? Because moisture makes it easy for allergy-producing molds to build up. So take action and protect yourself from allergens with these five tips: 

Clean up. Wipe down surfaces daily, starting with sinks and countertops. Next, tidy up the shower. With all the humidity that accumulates after a hot shower, you’ll want to prevent mold from building up. A mildew-fighting spray or bleach solution can scrub away the growth of fungus in minutes.

Clear the air. Pollen, dust, and pet dander are three of the major allergy triggers that you definitely want to fight off. Indoor air circulation can blow these airborne allergens around the house, making you more irritable. Try an air cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap harmful particles in the air.

Reduce humidity. Combine a hot shower with poor ventilation and you have yourself a mold and mildew problem. Not only that, but moisture alone creates a “breeding ground” for allergens. To combat the issue, keep humidity 50 percent or less and toss your damp towel in the washer/dryer.

Remodel. There’s a number of strategies you can implement to reduce allergens in your bathroom with a simple remodeling plan. Replacing carpet with tile, wood, or vinyl can tame sneezing by eliminating dust and other allergens that stick. When looking for new decor, select washable rugs and clean them often. Do you have wallpaper? Rip it down for a coat of fresh paint to prevent mold growth.

Fix Leaks. A leaky pipe or toilet can cause water to seep into drywall and insulation, and damage your floors and walls. It’s important to keep up on bathroom maintenance to prevent potential problems that can bring on more allergy discomfort. Fix plumbing leaks before mold and mildew sneak up on you.

For more home improvement tips, turn to Nassau County Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. Need help fixing a leaky pipe? We provide leak detection and repair services across Long Island. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information.

Wellness Wednesday: 5 Eco-Friendly Ways to Clean the House

It’s often easy to forget the harmful effects of household cleaning products we use on a regular basis. Choosing more natural products and removing toxic ones goes a long way to ensure you’re breathing fresh, clean air.

Looking for alternative methods? Here’s how you can get started now:

Look under your kitchen sink. Glance over the products you have - eliminate the toxic ones. Place these in a locked storage bin for your community’s next Household Hazardous Pickup Day. Chemical-free products create a safer environment for the whole family.

Replace toxic products. Choose non-toxic substitutes. Look for “Signal Words” on labels - danger, warning, poison, caution - all indications of health concerns and products that you should avoid using in your home. Try alternatives like baking soda or lemon juice. Click here for a list of chemical-free recipes you can try this season.

Recycle cleaning materials. Save money and help the environment! Reusable mops, safer sponges, rags (instead of paper), and HEPA vacuums provide your home with clean air.

Clean indoor air with plants. Plants are an organic way to reduce indoor air pollution in your home - add a lightly lavender antibacterial spray for a lovely, clean scent that disinfects. Not to mention, houseplants add more oxygen too!

Use your senses. Smell, hear, feel - if your nose detects rotten food or dirty pet products, it may be time for a cleaning. Floors feel sticky? Grab a clean rag or mop. Your senses will tell you which household areas need to be attended to.

For more eco-friendly cleaning methods or help installing energy efficient appliances in your home, call NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at 718-514-7145! We can help you make a difference.

Prepare Your Home for the Holidays

Will you be the hostess with the mostess this holiday? Christmas lights and carols may lift your spirits this time of year, but getting your home ready for a house full of guests can be tough.

Quickly conquer your list of chores so you don't miss a beat of your favorite holiday melody. Below is a checklist to keep you on track and make the cleaning process a little easier:

The Kitchen
The heart of your home and likely the center of your holiday activities. In order to make room for your beautiful buffet you'll want to clear out as much counter space as possible. Store unneeded appliances in hidden cabinet space and make sure your counter tops are in good condition.

The Bathroom
A popular place for a host to clean when guests arrive all through the year, and you certainly don't want to skip out on it this holiday. If the tile looks old or worn, you can quickly freshen it up with a layer of new grout. Check to make sure the bathroom fan works properly to provide efficient ventilation and, of course, stock the cabinet with plenty of fresh hand and bath towels for all of your guests to make use of (Festive holiday designs always add a nice touch).

The Guest Room
Change out the linens for fresh ones and clear out any closet space you may use for alternative purposes throughout the year. The holiday is a popular time for people to take a long vacation so they don't want to feel uncomfortable by living out of a suitcase.

For more tips and tricks or plumbing emergencies this holiday season, turn to NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. We're here so you don't have to be! We'll help keep your house in tip top shape and you and your guests can go on enjoying it. Call us today at 516.874.7937 or visit or website for more information.