Allergies are a common problem that affect households every year.
In fact, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that over 100 million Americans deal with allergies annually, making it one of the top causes of chronic illness.1
Luckily, there are simple ways to reduce allergens in your home.
1. Use HEPA Filters
- Why It Works: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters trap tiny particles, including dust, pollen, and pet dander, which can cause allergic reactions.
- Application: Install HEPA filters in air purifiers, vacuums, and HVAC systems to reduce airborne allergens.
2. Keep Windows Closed during High Pollen Seasons
- Why It Works: Open windows allow pollen and other outdoor allergens to enter your home.
- Application: Especially during high pollen seasons, keep windows closed and use air conditioning or fans for ventilation to maintain airflow without allergens.
3. Wash Bedding Regularly
- Why It Works: Dust mites thrive in bedding and can trigger allergies. Regular washing eliminates them and other allergens.
- Application: Wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water weekly to kill dust mites.
4. Declutter Your Home
- Why It Works: Clutter collects dust and provides hiding places for allergens.
- Application: Keep surfaces clear and organize spaces to reduce dust accumulation, making cleaning easier and more effective.
5. Use Allergen-Proof Covers
- Why It Works: Allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers act as barriers against dust mites.
- Application: Invest in zippered covers for mattresses and pillows to reduce exposure to dust mites and prevent allergen buildup.
6. Vacuum Carpets, Rugs, Beds & Furniture
- Why It Works: Vacuuming carpets, rugs, beds, and furniture removes dust, dirt, and allergens that can build up and cause allergies or breathing problems.
- Application: Vacuum carpets, rugs, beds and upholstered furniture regularly using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to prevent the recirculation of allergens.
7. Keep Pets out of the Bedroom
- Why It Works: Pet dander can trigger allergies, especially when it accumulates in sleeping areas.
- Application: Designate pet-free zones in your home, particularly in bedrooms, to reduce allergen exposure.
8. Control Humidity Levels
- Why It Works: High humidity encourages mold and dust mites, which thrive in moist environments.
- Application: Use dehumidifiers to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50% to prevent the growth of allergens like mold and mites.
9. Remove Carpets
- Why It Works: Carpets trap allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, making them hard to clean effectively.
- Application: Replace carpets with hard flooring, like wood, tile, or laminate, which are easier to clean and do not trap allergens.
10. Choose Allergy-Friendly Plants
- Why It Works: Some indoor plants release pollen, which can aggravate allergies.
- Application: Opt for plants like bamboo palm, spider plants, or peace lilies, which improve air quality and are less likely to trigger allergies.
11. Shower before Bed
- Why It Works: Pollen and other allergens can stick to your skin and hair throughout the day.
- Application: Showering before bed helps remove these allergens, preventing them from transferring to your bedding.
12. Use Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
- Why It Works: Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the respiratory system and trigger allergies.
- Application: Switch to natural, non-toxic, and fragrance-free cleaning products to avoid unnecessary exposure to potential allergens.
13. Wash Curtains & Blinds
- Why It Works: Curtains and blinds collect dust and allergens over time, contributing to poor air quality.
- Application: Wash curtains regularly and clean blinds with a damp cloth to remove dust and allergens.
14. Replace Air Duct Filters Regularly
- Why It Works: HVAC air filters trap airborne particles, but when they become clogged, they can circulate dust and allergens.
- Application: Replace HVAC filters every 1-3 months with high-quality filters to ensure effective removal of allergens from the air.
15. Control Indoor Plants’ Moisture
- Why It Works: Overwatering indoor plants can lead to mold growth in the soil, which releases spores that trigger allergies.
- Application: Water plants sparingly and ensure good drainage to prevent mold from forming in the soil.
16. Clean Floors Regularly
- Why It Works: Floors, especially in high-traffic areas, accumulate dust, pollen, and pet dander that contribute to allergies.
- Application: Sweep, mop, and vacuum floors at least twice a week to keep them free from allergens, using a microfiber mop or vacuum with a HEPA filter for best results.
17. Reduce Fabric in Common Areas
- Why It Works: Upholstered furniture, throw pillows, and other fabric items collect dust and pet dander.
- Application: Opt for leather or vinyl furniture and reduce the number of pillows or fabric decorations in living spaces to minimize allergen buildup.
18. Keep Outdoor Shoes Outside
- Why It Works: Shoes track in pollen, dirt, and other allergens from outside.
- Application: Create a no-shoe policy indoors, and leave outdoor shoes at the door to prevent bringing allergens into the home.
19. Use Hypoallergenic Bedding
- Why It Works: Hypoallergenic bedding is designed to resist allergens like dust mites and dander.
- Application: Invest in hypoallergenic pillows, duvets, and mattresses to create a safer sleeping environment for allergy sufferers.
20. Install a Ventilation System
- Why It Works: Proper ventilation helps circulate clean air and removes moisture, reducing mold growth and lowering indoor allergen levels.
- Application: Consider installing an energy-efficient ventilation system to bring fresh air into your home while filtering out allergens from outdoor air.
Making small changes can make a big difference in reducing allergens. With these easy hacks, you can create a cleaner, healthier environment for you and your family.
Source:
Read Next:
15 Flowering Shrubs to Make Your Yard Stand Out
15 Winter-Friendly Vegetables for Your Garden
14 Everyday Luxuries Americans Are Cutting to Fight Inflation
10 Everyday Home Items You’re Probably Using Wrong
Bugs Beware: These 15 Plants Keep Gardens Safe
6 Tips to Make Your Jewelry Shine This Holiday Season
Hanging Lights Made Simple: Try This Vertical Tree Hack
15 Antiques Expected to Skyrocket in 2025’s Market
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.