Tips for Reducing Allergens in Your Home

Here are some tips for reducing allergens in your home. Dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold are minor inconveniences for some homeowners. For others, they are a source of misery. While you may think these irritants come with the territory of homeownership, there are ways to minimize the effects. Here are some tips for reducing allergens in your home.

Choose Finishes That Are Easy To Clean

When you’re building or remodeling, keep in mind that cleaning begins as soon as the construction work ends. Consider using finishes that are both beautiful and easy to clean. If you have small children, think about what surfaces they’ll be crawling around on and grabbing. Many families find that engineered hardwood flooring is a better choice for their health (and for cleaning up after kids and pets) and that stainless steel appliances offer greater resistance to germ and allergen buildup.

Invest in a Good Vacuum

A versatile vacuum that allows you to clean drapes, carpet, and the nooks and crannies along baseboards and between couch cushions is a good investment. A good vacuum can capture dust bunnies lurking under chairs and keep pet dander from taking up permanent residence on the couch.

Use Air Purifiers and Change HVAC Filters Frequently

Home air purifiers became popular during the pandemic of ’20-’21, but a good air purifier with a HEPA filter can cleanse indoor air and reduce the presence of allergens. If you have a forced-air heating system or air conditioning, make sure you clean and replace the filters regularly.

Wash Bedding and Use a Mattress Cover

Pillows, mattresses, and bedding are havens for dust mites and their droppings. Wash bedding weekly and wash pillows according to the instructions on their tags every few weeks. Ensure your mattress has a washable dust cover and throw that in the wash every few weeks, along with any washable coverlets.

Regulate Humidity

Mold and mildew love damp environments, so bathrooms must be well ventilated. Wash shower curtains if you can, and discard and replace them if signs of mold or mildew appear. Use a dehumidifier in the basement or other rooms prone to dampness.

Stop Relocating Dust

There’s dusting, and then there’s cleaning up the dust. Feather dusters and dry cloths may move dust around, not collect it for permanent removal. Use damp microfiber dust cloths to scoop up, trap, and remove dust from surfaces throughout the house. Then, throw the cloths in the wash, and after they go through the dryer, they’ll come out ready for the next round.

Leave the Outside Outside

Establish a no-shoes-indoors rule. Make it easy for family and guests to remove their shoes and stow them in a tray. That way, they don’t traipse pollen and dirt from outside all over the inside of your house.

These tips for reducing allergens in your home can help you stay comfortable, whether your home is old or new.

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