The Weekly Cleaning Routine That Keeps Our Editor-in-Chief’s Allergies in Check — Even with Two Dogs!
As the owner of two (tiny, perfect) dogs, Apartment Therapy editor-in-chief Charli Penn knows that pet dander has an uncanny ability to multiply. To keep their home feeling fresh — and keep their allergies in check — Charli and her husband rely on a weekly cleaning routine. And after a snowy, rainy winter, that routine was extra important.
“Our home felt stuffy, dusty, and the opposite of fresh — full deep winter vibes,” Charli says.
With her cleaning checklist and the BISSELL® PowerClean FurFinder, Charli could banish those stale vibes for good. The lightweight, 3-in-1 FurFinder features an advanced headlight and tangle-free brush roll technology to easily remove the dander, dust, and dirt hiding in every nook and cranny. Plus, its HEPA Sealed Allergen System traps all those particles for a healthier home environment. Here’s a closer look at the weekly cleaning routine that helps Charli keep her allergies at bay.
Start at the Top
Dust loves to gather on light fixtures and ceiling fans. Charli makes sure she doesn’t miss these often-forgotten spots. She uses a duster for delicate items, like that gorgeous glass light fixture. For spots like ceiling corners and window trim, the PowerClean FurFinder’s Combination Dusting Brush & Crevice Tool makes them easy to reach, with powerful suction and bristles to dislodge every speck of dust.
Don’t Skip the Sofa
With two fur babies and a navy blue sofa, the pet hair struggle is real at Charli’s house. But the upholstery tool makes quick work of eliminating it. “I didn’t want to stop vacuuming the upholstery: It’s by far the most satisfying before and after,” Charli says. “The upholstery tool is surprisingly powerful and really leaves my couch fur-free.”
Refresh the Bedding
“Our dogs love to sleep in our bed, so we change our sheets two to three times per week,” Charli says. Bonus: More chances to experience that fresh-sheets feeling at bedtime. Vacuuming under the bed — and even vacuuming your mattress! — also helps control allergens in the bedroom. The PowerClean FurFinder’s slim design makes it easy to navigate.
Sweep the Perimeter
They’re easy to overlook, but baseboards, window sills, and air vents are prime hiding places for dust and dirt. The PowerClean FurFinder crevice tool is designed for extended reach into narrow areas and edges like baseboard trim and vent grates, and its adjustable brush head protects your paint.
“Vacuuming the air vents with the crevice attachment on the BISSELL® PowerClean FurFinder was beyond satisfying,” Charli says. “It’s amazing how dusty they can get, especially the exhaust fan.”
“Our 1930s home has large original baseboards. It’s hard to see the dust pile up on them, but once we vacuumed — WOW! The before and after was amazing.”
Charli Penn
Burp! (Excuse Us.)
Opening the windows for a bit — aka “burping” — is one of the last steps in Charli’s routine. Burping circulates clean air, releases trapped moisture, and helps prevent mold and mildew — yes, even in winter! A few minutes is all you need.
After these simple tasks, Charli’s home is more refreshed and even a little brighter. “We’re breathing better, too,” Charli says. “As someone with super sensitive allergies, it makes a huge difference in how I start my day.”