How to Reduce 5 Common Household Allergens

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Reduce Indoor Allergens at Home

When pollen and mold levels are high, allergy symptoms might force you indoors. But indoor allergens are troublesome, too. They can cause sneezing, a stuffy or a runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Your best bet for beating indoor allergies is to banish the things that trigger them. For starters, vacuum regularly, preferably with a HEPA-rated vacuum cleaner so you’re not blasting allergens back into the air. When you dust, use a damp cloth to help trap the allergens. The following examples are a few specific allergy triggers and ways to combat them. Keep the air pure and keep out allergens as well.

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Pet Allergens

The Cause: Dead skin flakes and saliva in dogs and cats, and urine in rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and mice. Although some animals trigger more allergic reactions than others, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic pet.

The Fix:

• Keep pets out of your bedroom.
• Regularly wash or replace your pet’s bedding and toys.
• In extreme cases, consider replacing carpets with hard-surface floors.

Mold & Mildew

The Cause: Dampness.

The Fix:

• Repair roof and plumbing leaks.
• Keep damp spaces—such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements— clean and well-ventilated.
• Replace vent switches with timers to fully vent moisture during and after showers.
• Don’t install carpeting on concrete or damp floors.
• Don’t store items like towels, bedding or clothes in damp areas.

Check out our 10 tips for removing mold and mildew.