Allergy-proofing your home:
6 simple strategies

If you’ve ever experienced a runny nose, sneezing, itchy watery eyes, or an itchy throat, you’re likely one of the millions of people who experience allergies. But have you ever wondered what causes that itching, sneezing or running nose? Allergens are typically harmless, but sometimes when you’re exposed to a certain allergen for the first time, your immune system can view it as a threat, responding by trying to eliminate it through the release of a chemical called “histamine,” which causes those unwanted allergy symptoms.¹

There are a variety of allergens that can be present in your very own home — like dust and dust mites, pet dander and mold to name a few — and getting relief doesn’t have to only involve medication. There are other steps you can take, like first and foremost, allergy-proofing your home. That’s why we’re sharing a guide to reducing allergy triggers with six easy tips.

1. Keep your floors and surfaces clean

Even the cleanest house isn’t immune to allergy irritants. The first step is to have a consistent cleaning routine. Although carpet may feel nice on your feet, it’s also a hot spot for dust and pet dander. Be sure to vacuum regularly, using a high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter.² Along with your floors, don’t forget any other surfaces that may collect dust — this means your shelves, baseboards and knickknacks could use a good cleaning, too.

2. Wash your bedding weekly

Most people spend a decent amount of time in their bedroom every day, so it’s important to reduce allergy triggers in that area as much as possible. Along with dusting and vacuuming regularly, be sure to wash your bedding weekly in hot water (at least 130°F) and dry completely.³ For an extra step of protection, use allergen covers for things like mattresses, pillows and box springs that are harder to wash.

3. Don’t forget about curtains and upholstery

Wherever possible, replace window coverings like curtains, long drapes and Venetian blinds with shades or shutters, which are less likely to collect irritants and easier to dust. But let’s face it, in many cases, replacement isn’t an option. So be sure to include washing your window treatments in the washing machine at least a few times per year.

Comfortable seating like couches and chairs are also a popular spot for dust mites and pet dander to gather. When you’re vacuuming your carpets, don’t forget to include your upholstered furniture — especially if your four-legged friends like to get cozy on the couch. This could mean a build-up of pet dander in these areas.⁴

4. Get ahead of bathroom mold

The moisture from your shower can cause mildew, which is the ideal environment for allergy-inducing mold. Keep the door open when you’re not using the bathroom, which keeps the humidity down, and clean the shower and tile weekly with a mold-killing solution. And don’t forget about the shower curtain! The plastic liner should get its own shower or bath with a combination of baking soda and water monthly, which will remove the soap scum and mildew. For maintenance, wipe it down weekly and spray it with a cleaner each use.

5. Invest in an air purifier and dehumidifier

Perhaps the best way to rid your home of mold and mildew is adding a dehumidifier to moist and damp environments, aiming for a humidity level below 50%. Dehumidifiers reduce moisture from the air, which keeps surfaces dry and helps to prevent the growth of mold.⁵ Consider also adding an air purifier to one room or your whole house, depending on your needs, which can remove those airborne allergens like dust and pollen from the air. Make sure to look for those with HEPA filters — which are designed to capture up to 99.97% of those irritating airborne particles.⁶

6. Get relief from indoor allergies with medication

And just in case those allergy symptoms hit, don’t forget over-the-counter antihistamine medications like Benadryl^® and Zyrtec® to help provide relief when you need it the most.