{"id":15314,"date":"2017-04-10T17:52:56","date_gmt":"2017-04-10T21:52:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.achooallergy.com\/blog\/?p=7034"},"modified":"2026-05-05T07:03:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T11:03:19","slug":"20-simple-ways-to-reduce-home-allergens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.achooallergy.com\/blog\/20-simple-ways-to-reduce-home-allergens\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Simple Ways to Reduce Home Allergens"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"20<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Reduce home allergies by taking simple, consistent steps that lower dust, dander, pollen, mold, and other indoor irritants responsible for uncomfortable symptoms. Allergens accumulate quickly in most homes, settling into carpets, bedding, furniture, and air ducts where they continue to circulate and trigger reactions. Even regular cleaning can miss the most stubborn particles, so building a strong routine that targets the biggest allergy sources makes a major difference in overall indoor air quality. Homeowners may seek professional cleaning services<\/a> to help make their homes clean and free of pollutants and allergens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most effective ways to reduce home allergies is to combine daily habits with targeted tools. Using high-quality air purifiers with medical-grade or true HEPA filtration traps the smallest airborne particles, including pet dander and dust mites. Vacuuming with a sealed HEPA system removes allergens deep in carpets and upholstery. Washing bedding in hot water eliminates dust mites, a leading cause of year-round allergy flare-ups. Managing humidity levels is just as important, since mold and dust mites thrive in damp environments. A well-sized dehumidifier keeps moisture under control and prevents allergen growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simple lifestyle adjustments also play a huge role in reducing home allergies. Removing shoes at the door prevents dirt and pollen from spreading through the house. Dusting with microfiber cloths traps particles more effectively than traditional feather dusters. For pet owners, regular grooming and designated air filtration in high-traffic areas help control shedding and odors. Changing HVAC filters frequently, washing curtains, and choosing fragrance-free cleaning products can further minimize irritants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These twenty easy strategies work together to create a cleaner space and more breathable indoor air. Whether you struggle with seasonal allergies, pet sensitivities, or dust-related symptoms, following consistent allergen-reducing habits makes your home significantly healthier and more comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the average home is <\/span>subject to a whole slew of indoor pollutants<\/span><\/a>, including dust mites, mold, bacteria, viruses, smoke, pollen, pet dander. You may also need to worry about bothersome gaseous pollutants that come from appliances, vehicle exhaust, and tobacco smoke. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, ridding your home of allergens is relatively simple when you invest in the right cleaning tools and use common sense. Here are 20 simple ways to reduce home allergens and to make your home a more comfortable, enjoyable place to live.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ideas-1\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Use a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Replacing your less-healthy vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum cleaner<\/a><\/span> is a great way to trap even more minute particles in your environment without risking reintroduction into the air you breathe. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These <\/span>allergy vacuum cleaners<\/span> trap extremely small particles and seal them away using a special HEPA filter to help further reduce your exposure to airborne particles that can contribute to your allergy symptoms. Giving your home a complete sweep with a HEPA vacuum is a great way to eliminate many of these particles that settle in your rugs, carpeting, window treatments, and on solid surfaces.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ideas-2\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Limit Where Your Pet Can Go<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"Cat<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

This is a tough one for pet-loving allergy sufferers, but sometimes it\u2019s necessary. If you struggle with allergic attacks associated with pet dander, consider limiting your pet\u2019s access to the bedroom. If that\u2019s not possible, at least consider restricting them from sleeping on the bed with you at night. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you sleep, you unknowingly breathe in all of your bedroom\u2019s most allergy-worsening particles. Therefore, keeping the bedroom allergen-free can go a long way in reducing the symptoms you experience throughout the day. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ideas-3\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Invest in an Air Purifier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Air purifiers work by removing contaminants <\/a> (including the most common allergy triggers, like dust mites, pollen, and dander) from the air you breathe. You\u2019re able to eradicate your home from these particles when you regularly change the filter on your <\/span>air purifier<\/span> as needed. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air purifiers come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, from allergy purifiers that target airborne particles like pet dander, mold spores, dust mites, pollen and other common household air pollutants to MCS air purifiers that help greatly reduce the amount of chemicals and substances in your home that can worsen your MCS symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ideas-4\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Change Your Filters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your home and various appliances throughout it rely on air filters in order to help keep the air and environment clean of excessive dust, dirt, and pollutants. Make sure to regularly change the filters in your HVAC system<\/a> (and make sure you\u2019re using HEPA filters) via HVAC contractors that provide HVAC Installation as well as your air purifier and your car\u2019s air filters.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Air<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

HVAC filters<\/span>, also known as furnace filters, are designed to clean dust, dirt, and debris from your HVAC\u2019s system in order to keep your home\u2019s air as pure as possible. These filters come in both permanent and disposable options to ensure that you\u2019re able to properly clean and maintain them for better home air quality. You may also hire an expert in furnace repair in Dry Ridge, KY<\/a> to inspect and service your whole hvac unit to boost its efficiency and functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ideas-5\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Replace Your Mattress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If possible, <\/span>replace your mattress at least every 10 years<\/a><\/span>. Your mattress is the most hospitable place in your home for the presence of allergy-exacerbating dust mites, and these stubborn little creatures just so happen to thrive in old mattresses. You\u2019ll sleep easier knowing that you\u2019re not breathing in allergy-causing dust mites while you\u2019re getting a good night\u2019s rest. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember to always do a deep, thorough vacuum of the area surrounding your bed anytime you change or flip your mattress. This will fully remove all of the dust mites that may have been transferred during replacement.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ideas-6\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Protect Bedding from Dust Mites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You should always use a <\/span>dust mite mattress cover<\/a><\/span> to prevent the presence and proliferation of these pesky bugs. Allergen-blocking bedding and mattress covers are made of tightly woven fabric that prevents dust mites from escaping from the mattress or bedding. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We highly recommend picking up a dust mite cover for your box spring, as well. Don\u2019t forget to follow steps on how to <\/span>limit your home\u2019s exposure to dust mites<\/span><\/a> for more suggestions on how to keep your bedroom and home free of difficult irritants. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wash Bedding Once a Week<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"Woman<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

In order to ensure that your bedding is not collecting skin flakes \u2014 i.e., dust mite dinner \u2014 make sure you get into the habit of washing all of your bedding once a week<\/a>. We highly recommend washing all of your home\u2019s sheets, pillow cases, blankets, comforters, and even toss pillows on a hot cycle (about 140 degrees) once per week. This can effectively kill dust mites, bed bugs, and other pests while removing allergens that may become trapped in the fibers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ideas-8\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Wash Bedding with a Mite Control Cleaner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t noticed by now, keeping your bedding clean is one of the most important parts of ensuring that your home is free of pesky allergens. We highly recommend occasionally using a dust mite laundry product<\/a>, such as the <\/span>Mite-y Clean Laundry Additive<\/a><\/span>, to help alleviate those allergy symptoms associated with the presence of dust mites. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This product and other similar laundry additives are designed to remove dust mites from bedding without having to run your laundry on a hot cycle. In other words, it allows you to wash your bedding with the rest of your laundry and still eradicate mites.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ideas-9\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Clean Under Surfaces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s easy to forget about those areas of your home that you never see \u2014 beneath your sofa, chairs, appliances, rugs, and floor mats, for example \u2014 but these are some of the sneakiest hideaways for allergy-causing particles. Try to integrate cleaning beneath the surface into your once-monthly deep cleaning regimen in order to get rid of those hard-to-spot allergy particles.  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ideas-10\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Be Hyper-Vigilant About Moisture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you live in an old home or one where the basement isn\u2019t fully waterproofed, you can invest in a relatively affordable moisture meter do measure the levels of moisture in your home. A good rule of thumb is to keep the air in your home at 50 percent or below. Control moisture (and, in turn, limit the growth of mold and mildew) by installing dehumidifiers throughout your home<\/a>, especially in wet areas like the basement. If you find a leak in your plumbing<\/a>, call the experts immediately. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ideas-11\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Replace Blinds with Draperies<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"Elegant<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

As convenient as blinds may be in terms of privacy and light control, they\u2019re not the best choice for allergy sufferers. That\u2019s because they\u2019re typically made of plastic or wood, which can attract those small airborne particles and reintroduce them back into the air you breathe when you adjust the blinds. Opt instead for fabric window treatments with a convenient drapery rod or hook system so that you can easily remove them and wash them in your regular laundry. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ideas-12\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Opt for Hard-Surface Floors Over Rugs and Carpeting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Carpeting is a relatively affordable way to add comfort and warmth to your home, but unfortunately, it\u2019s not the best choice for allergy sufferers. Not only does carpeting tend to invite a host of minute airborne particles to settle in your flooring, but it also gives off harmful chemical emissions that can trigger some allergies. If you have to install carpet, make sure to follow the <\/span>EPA\u2019s carpet installation guidelines<\/span><\/a>: introduce plenty of fresh-air ventilation and, for severe sufferers of chemical allergies, avoid using the room for at least 72 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ideas-13\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Keep Windows Closed or Use Window Filters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It can be very tempting to let the sweet, fresh air in on a particularly mild fall or spring day. Unfortunately, when you keep your windows open, you\u2019re inviting plenty of allergens to take refuge in your home. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that you can use handy products like window filters<\/a> to curb allergy symptoms. These filters allow fresh air to pass through, while limiting access to the most frustrating allergy triggers, including ragweed pollen and dust.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ideas-14\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Opt for Leather, Wood or Vinyl Furniture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the simplest ways to allergy-proof your home and to limit the existence of allergens in your living spaces is to ditch your regular fabric-upholstered furniture in place of easy-to-clean furniture made from materials such as leather, wood, vinyl, metal, or plastic that you can quickly wipe down as needed. These materials are less likely to collect (and trap!) small allergens, which can aggravate allergy symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid Using a Wood-Burning Stove or Fireplace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have an old home, consider upgrading your wood-burning fireplace to a natural gas option, in order to avoid the introduction of small particles and chemicals into the air you breathe. We also recommend avoiding the use of kerosene lamps and gas stoves, since these appliances can produce nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants that can be very aggravating to allergy sufferers.  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ideas-16\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Use Anti-Allergen Cleaning Solutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you invest in a high-quality anti-allergy cleaner, make sure to do a clean sweep beneath the sink to get rid of any allergy-causing cleaning products. Some cleaners have chemicals that can irritate your airways and worsen your allergy symptoms. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, use products throughout your home that are safe for allergy sufferers<\/a>. You can even pick up specific anti-allergen cleaning sprays that are uniquely designed to thoroughly clean and remove allergens from hard surfaces, as well as upholstery, carpeting and window treatments.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ideas-17\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Invest in a Steam Cleaner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Steam cleaners <\/span>sanitize and clean your home<\/span> without the presence of any aggravating cleaning agents. Instead, they use the cleanest and purest cleaning agent available \u2014 water \u2014 to eradicate your home from allergy-triggering particles, as well as dust and chemicals. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use a steam cleaner to clean hard-surface flooring, walls, showers, upholstered furniture, draperies, and much more<\/a>. These ultra-healthy cleaning tools are one of the best eco-friendly options for getting rid of dust mites, dust mite waste, pollen, dander, and other allergens that get trapped inside the fibers of your furniture, flooring, and more. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

De-Clutter Surfaces<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"Modern<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The more surfaces in your home, the more dust and allergens will settle. In order to help reduce the presence of airborne particles that can worsen your allergy symptoms, try to take a minimalist approach with d\u00e9cor by reducing clutter and limiting accents only to the essentials. If you have a lot of stuff you want to get rid of, you may order online<\/a> a roll-off dumpster.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Organizing is also a great way to make sure that your environment isn\u2019t hospitable to allergens. Place all children\u2019s toys, stuffed animals, books, magazines, and seasonal home accents in large plastic storage bins when they\u2019re not being used. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try Allergen-Reducing Houseplants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Plants are Earth\u2019s original air purifiers, so it makes sense that introducing a few houseplants into your environment could effectively help clean your home\u2019s air of allergy-triggering particulates. There are a wide range of beautiful, fresh house plants that you can use to relieve allergies. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For cleaner air in your home, choose general air purifying plants like areca palm, lady palm, bamboo palm, and dracaena. Make sure to treat your indoor plants like you would knickknacks and home d\u00e9cor by regularly wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth in order to eradicate dust and other airborne particles.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clean Ceiling Fans and Box Fans Before Use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before the weather gets hot and you dig your fans out of storage, make sure to give them a thorough deep clean with a microfiber cloth and soapy water or a gentle cleaning agent. And, it may seem obvious, but make sure that you\u2019re fully dusting and wiping down your ceiling fan\u2019s blades before you turn on your fan after long periods of time. You may also inspect your ceiling fan and see if it needs a repair. This will help ensure that the dust and allergens that have settled on the surface don\u2019t swirl into the air you breathe.
<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Reduce home allergies by taking simple, consistent steps that lower dust, dander, pollen, mold, and other indoor irritants responsible for uncomfortable symptoms. Allergens accumulate quickly in most homes, settling into carpets, bedding, furniture, and air ducts where they continue to… <\/p>\n