The Ultimate Guide to Removing Allergens From Your Home

Medically reviewed by Sheena Batura MS, RDN, LD and Angie McLaughlin RN, BSN on May 11, 2020. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

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With allergy season upon us, you may be one of the 50 million Americans who experience allergy symptoms. When your allergies act up, you could suffer from symptoms ranging from itchy eyes and a runny nose to more severe reactions like difficulty breathing or chest tightness that may require medical treatment.

Your first thought may be to avoid time outdoors to reduce your pollen exposure and the potential for allergy symptoms. However, the culprit may be your home-living spaces often house unwelcome guests like dust mites, mold, and pet dander. To combat possible allergies, it's important to get to the source of your symptoms and maintain a clean home environment. With all the tasks that come with taking care of your home and your health, staying on top of spring cleaning can be a challenge. So we’ve created easy guidelines to follow to help minimize your exposure to allergens within your home. Additionally, consider taking an at-home indoor and outdoor allergy test to identify specific allergens and tailor your cleaning routine accordingly.

Read on to learn how to remove allergens from each room of your house and prevent them from coming back in, or download our printable chore chart to hang on your refrigerator or in a cleaning closet to ensure you never miss an allergy-proofing chore. If you're interested in ways to make cleaning fun for the whole family, skip to our printables with creative, kid-friendly cleaning activities.

Room-by-Room Allergy-Proofing Tips

Living Room

For many people, the living room is the center of the home where they go to unwind or spend time with family. The last thing you want while watching your favorite show or having a family game night is to be interrupted by itchy eyes or uncontrollable sneezing. If you spend a lot of time in your living room, it's a good idea to pay special attention to making it an allergen-free space.

1. Clean Floors

Even in the cleanest homes, it's easy to bring outdoor allergens in on your shoes or your pet's paws. It's possible that your plush carpet or area rug is housing dust that gets kicked into the air whenever someone walks over it. To help reduce allergens, sweep and clean hardwood floors regularly. The best way to clean your hardwood floors depends on whether your floors are sealed. If a floor is unsealed, using water to clean it could cause the wood to swell and warp. Regularly sweeping and vacuuming unsealed floors keeps them allergen-free without causing water damage.

If you have rugs or carpet, vacuum them weekly with a cleaner that has a small-particle or HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. You should also deep clean carpets at least once a year to get out deeply embedded pet dander, dust mites, and other allergens.

Quick tip: To confirm whether your hardwood floors are sealed or unsealed, quickly rub your finger across the floor. If you see a smudge emerge, the floor is likely unsealed and you'll want to avoid using water when cleaning.

2. Check Filters

Ensuring that your home is properly ventilated is the first step to eliminating allergens from the air. Paper filters that are ordinarily used in furnaces and air conditioners are designed to trap large particles like dust that can accumulate on the motor and fans.

However, particles like mold, bacteria, and certain types of pollen are much smaller in size and can slip through the fibers in regular filters, meaning they get circulated through your ductwork and blown back into your space. To prevent this, make sure you use HEPA filters and replace them regularly. A general rule of thumb is to replace air filters every 90 days.

Quick tip: If weather permits and the pollen count isn't high, opening a window for at least five minutes a day can decrease the concentration of indoor air allergens in your home.

3. Dust Furniture

Furniture can be just as inviting for allergens as it is for you and your family. To prevent dust buildup, you'll need to dust commonly used living room items- electronics and furniture-weekly and dust out-of-reach spots like ceilings, corners, ceiling fan blades, and door frames as needed.

To make sure you're not literally sweeping things under the rug, make sure to use a dusting tool that traps dust as you sweep. This way, you're not just spreading the dust back into the air and around your house.

Quick tip: Make your home a no-shoe zone and leave all outdoor shoes by the door. This will help you avoid bringing outdoor allergens into your house every time you walk through the front door.

Kitchen

With an abundance of food and moisture in your kitchen, it's an easy place for indoor allergens like mold to live. While mold spores floating in the air can trigger allergic reactions, symptoms worsen when these spores attach to wet surfaces and mold begins to grow. To keep mold from growing in damp or hard-to-reach places, consider prioritizing the following cleaning tasks.

1. Clean the Refrigerator

Refrigerators are prone to moisture buildup which can promote mold growth. To prevent mold from growing in your fridge, regularly wipe away excess moisture and make a note to check for and throw away expired food on a weekly basis. Additionally, the dripping pan is a great place for allergens to live. Regularly empty and clean it out as needed, and remember to replace any moldy rubber seals around your refrigerator door.

Quick tip: If you can remove the shelves and drawers, make sure to do so when cleaning out the fridge. Thoroughly spray the removable parts and the inside of the fridge with a solution of vinegar and water before drying.

2. Wash Dishes

Make sure you wash your dishes daily, as mold and food debris can easily build up in your sink. The area under the sink is also a great place for mold to hide. Frequently clean out the space under your sink and ensure that there are no leaks coming from your pipes.

Quick tip: Regularly treating your kitchen sink drain with a vinegar and baking soda solution is a great way to keep it clean and prevent mold from building up in your drain and pipes.

3. Clean Cabinets and Countertops

Frequently spraying down and wiping your cabinets and countertops helps eliminate allergens in your home. This could be done as often as every day to wash away food crumbs and reduce the risk of mold growing.

It's best to use eco-friendly sprays and detergents when cleaning these areas to avoid bringing harmful chemicals near your food. Additionally, heavy detergents filled with chemicals can cause allergic reactions for allergy-prone individuals or those with a previous diagnosis of certified asthma.

Quick tip: If you or someone in your home is allergy-prone or experiences reactions from cleaners containing harsh chemicals, consider using vinegar and salt as a surface cleaner to avoid a reaction yet still provide allergy relief.

Bedroom

We know you love your bed, but unfortunately, dust mites like it, too...a lot. As we sleep, we shed dead skin cells-which are a dust mite-s favorite bedtime snack. Millions of these microscopic bugs can cozy up in a single mattress and leave droppings (gross, we know) causing people to have allergic reactions like skin rashes, sneezing, and congestion. Dust mites are a real problem, so be sure you don't skimp out on deep cleaning the bedrooms in your house.

1. Wash Bedding

Bedding accessories are a great place for microscopic dust mites to burrow. Since we spend nearly one-third of our lives in bed, maintaining clean bedding is essential to reduce our exposure to dust mites and prevent potential allergic reactions.

Adding a few additional layers of protection to your mattress and pillows, like dust-proof or allergen-blocking covers, makes it easy to keep your bed free of dust mites. Additionally, make sure to wash all bedding accessories and sheets weekly in hot water.

Quick tip: While sleeping with your pet can reduce anxiety and strengthen your bond, consider making your bed pet-free if you suffer from allergy symptoms, as pet hair and dander can attract dust mites and other allergens to your bed.

2. Replace Old Mattresses

Did you know that the typical used mattress can house as many as 10 million dust mites? If you suffer from allergies, it may very well be time to replace your mattress.

Dust mites on a mattress can significantly affect those with asthma and could pose dangerous health risks like difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and trouble sleeping due to shortness of breath.

Quick tip: You should replace your mattress every seven to 10 years, not only to reduce allergens but also to maintain a comfortable sleep environment.

3. Clean Curtains and Blinds

Curtains and blinds are common places for dust and other allergens to accumulate, so do your due diligence and clean these regularly. About twice a month, gently vacuum curtains and drapes using a brush attachment at the lowest suction setting.

A hairdryer on the cold setting is also a great way to remove debris from delicate fabrics. Just make sure you vacuum the area afterward to avoid blowing dust into other areas of your bedroom. If you have blinds, use a duster or dust rag to clear away dust that can build up between the panels.

Quick tip: Incorporating air purification systems, such as air purifiers in every bedroom, can regularly filter out airborne allergens that may latch onto your curtains or blinds. This helps reduce exposure to allergens while you sleep. Additionally, managing the humidity level in these rooms is important, as too much humidity can foster the growth of mold and dust mites. Keeping the air dry and clean is essential for a restful, sneeze-free sleep.

Kid's Room

We love our kids, but let's face it, sometimes they can get pretty dirty. Cleaning your child's room should be a priority, as it's extra prone to housing both indoor and outdoor allergens. We've listed a few must-do cleaning tasks for allergy-proofing below.

1. Clean Toys

Dust mites, mold, and pet dander often linger on children's toys, so don't forget to frequently clean them. This is especially important for small children who have a tendency to touch everything and put toys in their mouth.

You can clean most toys in either the washing machine, dishwasher, or with water and vinegar. None of these methods require harsh cleaning chemicals and are safe for your children.

Quick Tip: If your child is prone to allergies, most experts recommend cleaning toys every one to two weeks.

2. Wash Stuffed Animals and Blankets

Children can become attached to a favorite stuffed animal or blanket and may want to bring it along everywhere they go, exposing it to both indoor and outdoor allergens. To keep these items clean and allergen-free, we recommend tossing them in the wash on laundry day or hand washing them regularly.

If a stuffed animal or blanket is old or delicate, use mild detergents with cold water and place it in a garment bag to prevent damage or tears.

Quick tip: For stuffed animals and blankets that are non-washable, you can place them in the freezer overnight to freeze away dust mites.

3. Store Play Items in Bins

When toys sit on the floor or out in the open, they are at higher risk of being contaminated by allergens. To prevent this, encourage your children to store play items in plastic bins when they're not in use.

Additionally, make sure to declutter play bins every few months and get rid of items that your child has outgrown or no longer uses. This can help prevent the buildup of allergens in the room and make cleaning less daunting.

Quick tip: Make cleaning fun for your kids by incorporating activities or competitions that encourage them to keep their toys put away and their rooms allergy-free. Skip to our allergy-proofing activities and printables for kids for ideas.

Bathroom

Deep cleaning the bathroom can feel like a daunting task, but it's necessary. Bathrooms are breeding grounds for mold since moisture can build up easily, so it's important to disinfect tubs, sinks, and toilets and eliminate grime to properly allergy-proof your home.

1. Scrub Sinks and Tubs

You should scrub your tubs, sinks, showers, and faucets with bleach or bathroom cleaner each week. If you're not a fan of bleach, making an eco-friendly cleaning scrub from baking soda, castile soap, and essential oils is also effective for removing dirt, mold, and scum from your bathroom.

To prevent mold buildup, get in the habit of wiping condensation from all surfaces with a clean towel after showering or washing your hands in the sink. Quick tip: Throw your shower curtain and plastic shower liner into a laundry cycle every week or two to keep mold and soap scum at bay. You can wash both using warm water combined with either vinegar, baking soda, or a gentle laundry detergent.

2. Wash Rugs and Bath Mats

On laundry day, don't forget to wash any bathroom rugs or bath mats that you use to soak up water. Not only can they collect dust and dirt, but they can store harmful mold as they absorb moisture near the shower or tub. Opting for bathroom rugs that are machine washable will make this weekly task easier.

Quick tip: If weather permits, try leaving the window open for one hour a day to lower the room's moisture level.

3. Clean Toilets

Frequently scrub any mold away from the plumbing fixtures in your bathroom with bleach or a toilet cleaner. Additionally, ensure there are no plumbing leaks as unattended water spills will create mold.

Quick tip: Consider removing plug-in or spray air fresheners from your bathroom, as synthetic fresheners can be sneaky culprits in causing allergy symptoms.

The Impact of Pets on Home Allergies

Many of us love our pets like our own children and see them as part of the family, so it's important to eliminate their exposure to allergens. Pets can also bring extra allergens into the house as they shed hair and dander, so you may want to take extra precautions when allergy-proofing your home if you have pets.

1. Brush Pets Regularly

Pet hair and dander is a large component of dust, so regularly brushing away loose hair is a good way to prevent allergens from accumulating in your home. Use a pet-specific brush that's designed to safely clear away excess hair, then properly dispose of it.

Quick tip: Keep several lint rollers around your house to remove stubborn pet hair and dander from furniture, blankets, and clothes.

2. Bathe Your Pet

Bathing your pet regularly helps protect them from allergens that can cling to their fur and washes away excess dander before it accumulates in your home. How often you bathe your pet depends on the length of their fur, their activity level, and whether they have any skin conditions or allergies. Most experts recommend bathing your pet every four to six weeks, but your vet can give you the best advice.

When giving your pet a bath, use lukewarm water and pet-safe soaps and shampoos. You can bathe your pet in a sink, tub, shower, or portable pet tub. Quick tip: If your pet is allergy-prone or has sensitive skin, there are several different types of hypoallergenic shampoos and conditioners you can use to prevent irritation.

3. Clean Pet Toys

It's important to frequently wash pet toys just like you would for kids. They've likely rolled all over your home or the ground outside, collecting both indoor and outdoor allergens along the way.

Be careful with cleaning toys as some may not be dishwasher-safe or machine washable. You should also avoid using harsh chemicals and check for washing instructions on the tag. If a toy doesn't come with instructions, there are many online pet owner resources that provide step-by-step instructions on how to safely wash toys without exposing your pet to harmful chemicals.

Quick tip: Consider keeping a washing station by the front door where you can wipe off dirty paws or quickly rinse toys after they've been outside. All you'll need is a storage container filled with water, soap, and a drying towel.

Fun Ways to Involve the Family

Allergy-proofing your home doesn't have to be a daunting task. To make it feel less tedious, get your family involved and turn weekly chores into fun activities. Below, we've listed a couple ideas and included activity printables to help you get started.

Battle of the bedrooms

Challenge your family to an epic Battle of the Bedrooms. To play this game, start the clock and give each family member or child one hour to clean their room. Whoever has the cleanest room at the end of the hour wins. The winner can hang their award (printable certificate above) on their bedroom door until the next battle.

Recruit a Cleaning Detective

Recruit your favorite cleaning detectives and have them investigate different areas of the house to determine what needs cleaning up. For example, they can list out if a bed is unmade or if there's a toy on the floor after inspecting a room. This is a fun and creative way to have children help create a chore list and identify messes.

Understanding Seasonal Allergy Triggers at Home

As the seasons change, so too does the allergen landscape within our homes. Understanding and mitigating seasonal allergies is crucial for maintaining a comfortable living environment, especially during the spring when pollen counts soar. From the air we breathe to the surfaces we touch, allergens can infiltrate our homes in numerous ways, prompting a range of symptoms from mild to severe. In this section, we'll explore effective strategies to remove allergens from home, ensuring clean air and indoor air quality that won't leave allergy sufferers sneezing.

Indoor Strategies for Pollen Reduction

Staying indoors during peak pollen times, usually in the morning, can significantly lessen spring allergy symptoms. Air conditioning with a high-quality air filter can help keep pollen out, as can an air purifier, which are known for their ability to control indoor allergens. After outdoor activities, it's wise to wash your clothes promptly to remove any pollen that may have adhered to the fabric.

Household Cleaning to Minimize Allergens

Frequent cleaning is essential—not just for those with a dust mite allergy but also to combat spring allergens. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to effectively remove pollen and allergens from surfaces and textiles. Home remedies and cleaning tips can be part of an effective allergy treatment. For pet owners, regular cleaning is crucial to reduce pet allergens and maintain humidity levels that discourage allergen proliferation. For a comprehensive approach, follow our room-by-room guide in this article, designed to help you maintain an allergen-reduced living space.

When To Get Tested for Allergies

If you're suffering from allergies, it's important to identify the root of the problem to prevent reactions in the future. A simple, at-home Indoor and Outdoor Allergy Test may help you pinpoint the source of your allergy symptoms and find a solution quicker.

Unmanageable symptoms like chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, fevers, and drowsiness that interferes with day-to-day activities are signs that you should see an allergist, your general physician, and/or take an allergy test.

If you're unsure about whether you're experiencing allergy symptoms or suffering from a common cold or illness, it's helpful to keep track of your symptoms. Try tracking when they occur, what you did that day, and how the symptoms make you feel. Consider reading more about the differences between symptoms to determine if you’re experiencing a cold, allergies, or COVID-19. Below, you'll find an allergy tracking chart that you can use to help identify the source of your allergies.

We're exposed to allergens almost every day. It's important to stay on top of allergy prevention, especially if you or a family member are prone to allergic reactions. Leaving allergies unattended can be problematic as symptoms can worsen over time, so keep a close eye on how exposure to allergens may be affecting you or a loved one.

If your allergy symptoms persist after trying these strategies, it may be time to take an at-home allergy test or speak with your healthcare provider to discuss options.

References
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