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Pesky Home Allergens: How to Clean and Allergy-Proof Your House

Avoid the wrath of allergies by understanding what allergens lurk in your home and how to clean most efficiently to rid them.

Pollen

During the late spring, you might notice pollen covering your car if it’s parked outdoors for 24 hours. Pollen granules coat the air and float around on warm, breezy days. To avoid pollen granules:

• Close windows, especially in early morning hours. Instead, run central air or a filtered window unit.
• Avoid the outdoors as best as you can. This means, try not to plan any vacations to the mountains or areas with many trees and grasses during high pollen season.
• If you do go outside, change your clothes as soon as you return to your home. Your clothes collect pollen and if left on, will bring pollen into your home.

Mold

Molds loiter in moist, dark, and cool areas. For example: bathrooms, basements, closets, laundry areas, mattresses, pillows, air conditioners, and any places where fresh food is stored. An easy way to detect mold is if you smell a musty odor. If you have mold inside your home, it’s difficult to completely eliminate. However, there are steps you can take to reduce its growth. To keep mold from forming:

• Use a fan during and after showers.
• Use a dehumidifier to dry out any moist corners or areas in your home.
• The Mayoclinic also suggests to close doors and windows during warm weather.
• Clean washable material with a solution of 5% bleach.
• Wear a protective mask when cleaning existing mold.

Pets

Vacuuming up animal fur will not reduce your allergies. In fact, pet allergies are found in the pet’s dander (proteins in animal saliva and urine). To reduce dander:

• Take your pet to a groomer who can clean and brush your pet once per week.
• Remove carpets altogether as dander can become trapped inside the surface.
• Keep pets off furniture.
• Litter boxes should be kept in an area separate from the rest of the home. For example, in the basement or a closet.
• Wash your hands, arms, and face after playing or grooming pets.
• Remove clothing worn after grooming or playing with pets.

Dust Mites

The dust you might see left on tables or picture frames or floating in the air is actually dead dust mites and their waste-products. Mites live in bedding, furniture, and carpets. They thrive in the summer when the air is at its warmest. They are less prevalent in the winter unless your home is kept humid. To reduce the amount of dust in your home:

• Avoid feather, down-filled pillows and comforters.
• Wash your curtains in hot water.
• Use rugs instead of carpets. Wash rugs frequently.
• When you wash your items, use water hotter than 130 degrees Fahrenheit, which kills dust mites.