Here's how to make sure guests with allergies are as comfortable as possible in your home. With the arrival of dust mites, pollen and leaf mould, summer can be a tough time for those who suffer from allergies. So, here are some helpful tips for throwing a great party that's literally nothing to sneeze at!
Communicate
While some people are open about their allergies; others are more reserved, requiring that you, as the host, ask the right questions to get the information you need to make them comfortable.
If you're inviting guests to a party, ask well ahead of time if they have any indoor allergies such as animals, perfumes or dust. Communicate clearly—and allow for an open-ended discussion.
Pet-Free party
Fluffy the cat may be an important member of your family, but try to inform potential guests about your pets before they show up. Some people are extremely allergic to animals—so much so that even a thorough cleaning may not stop an allergic reaction. So don't let them show up and be unpleasantly surprised when Fluffy comes over to give them a big welcome.
Putting your pets in a separate room away from the festivities might work well, but if your guests' pet allergies are severe (bothering them even when a pet is in another room), it might be best to leave pets with a friend or a neighbour for the evening. One option you could consider is to have the party outside. Those with pet allergies won’t be as bothered and on a beautiful summer night, it can be a great way to appreciate the wonderful warm weather.
Prepare
Now that you're armed with details about any of your guests' allergies, here's how to prepare your home for the evening. Clean several hours in advance so particles are not airborne.
Dust, dust, dust.
Dusting is one of the best ways to alleviate a major allergy trigger—dust and the allergens found in dust. The key with dust, though, is to remove it efficiently rather than just kick it up. Pledge® Aerosol Outdoor Fresh® Dust & Allergen helps to remove more dust and allergens than dry dusting.
Pledge® Multi Surface Duster has a 360-degree fluffy-all-around duster that makes it easy to dust blinds and knickknacks as well as tight spaces. The grabbing and trapping fibres of the duster pick up dust and allergens found in dust from dust mites and pet dander.
Clear surfaces and floors
Indoor allergens can be found throughout your home, so don't forget the biggest surface where they can settle—the floor. Whether you've got hardwood floors, rugs or (especially) wall-to-wall carpeting, a thorough vacuuming is in order after you've dusted. In addition, vacuuming helps remove any outdoor allergens, such as pollen, that may have been tracked inside.
Go over carpets a second time if they're made of wool or have a deep pile because these are denser and may retain more allergens. Don't forget to vacuum curtains and all your upholstered seat cushions. Finally, be sure to use your vacuum's attachments to get into crevices and corners where dust and pet hair lurk—along baseboards, in ceiling air ducts and under the refrigerator. Make sure to finish your dusting and vacuuming at least an hour and a half before guests are due to arrive on the day of a party.
Caring for overnight guests
If a guest with allergies is staying with you, consider investing in hypoallergenic pillows or allergen-impermeable pillow and mattress covers. To help kill any dust mites that could trigger an allergic reaction, wash the sheets and blankets your guest will use in hot water (at least 54 – 60°C (130 - 140°F)).
As mould and mildew can trigger allergies, discourage their growth by keeping the humidity in the bathroom low. To reduce and manage mildew stains, clean your bathrooms with Scrubbing Bubbles® Mega Shower Foamer™. To keep the toilet bowl sparkling, Scrubbing Bubbles® Fresh Brush® let’s you tackle tough toilet stains without the mess of a dirty toilet brush.
The big event
Clarifying the needs of your allergic guests and keeping up with the pre-party cleaning won't matter if you don't cover your bases during the event itself. Here's what to do when everyone has arrived and the party has started.
Mix consideration with ambience
You might love flowers, but their pollen can be a big allergy trigger—what's merely decorative to you might be a real-life nightmare to a guest with allergies. Talk to your florist; many offer novel arrangements of nonflowering branches. The twisting limbs offer a natural, sculptural look, and there are no blossoms to annoy anyone.
Keep communicating
Guests with allergies might be hesitant to express any feelings of discomfort (without prompting), out of a fear of disrupting the party. It's perfectly acceptable for you, as host, to initiate a private conversation with your allergic guests to make sure they are doing well and have everything they need. Keep the communication lines open to ensure that your entertaining is a success.
