5 Simple Changes That Can Dramatically Reduce Allergens in Your Home

If you struggle with allergies, it's possible the air in your home is worsening them. Even if you keep a clean home, allergens can linger in the air and your soft furnishings, such as your bed, couch, and carpets.

Dust mites, pet dander, and pollen are common triggers of allergies in your home. "Dust mites tend to live in fabrics, such as bedding, carpet, and curtains," says Jhon LeBaron, co-owner of Primavera Cleaning Service. "Pet dander is very similar, gathering in fabrics such as bedding, carpets, furniture, and clothing. Pollen can also be carried indoors, through the wind, or on clothing. It generally settles on surfaces and in fabrics like carpet and furniture."

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce allergens in your home. Ahead, experts share their tips for creating a cleaner, less allergen-heavy environment.

Vacuum Once or Twice Per Week

Frequent vacuuming is key to eliminating unwelcome allergens. "Vacuuming should be done weekly, or more frequently in high-traffic areas or homes with pets," says John McKeon, MD, principal at the iAIR Institute and the CEO of Allergy Standards. "It is important to use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a validated high-efficiency filter, such as a HEPA filter, and a sealed filtration system. This ensures that allergens are trapped inside the machine rather than leaking back into the air through gaps or the exhaust."

Dust Using a Damp Microfiber Cloth

Both of our experts recommend retiring your feather duster. "You should avoid dry dusting, which disperses particles,” Dr. McKeon says. "Instead, use a damp cloth or microfiber cloth to trap and retain dust to prevent it from spreading within the room."

Use Air Purifiers

Using an air purifier can be especially beneficial in spaces where you spend a lot of time, such as your primary bedroom or living room. Dr. McKeon recommends using a unit large enough for the room's square footage and checking its Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) for proper effectiveness.

When shopping for air purifiers, our experts recommend looking for options that combine a HEPA filter with activated carbon. Air purifiers and HVAC filters work by capturing airborne particulates, such as pollen, smoke, and pet dander that you might miss during routine cleaning, Dr. McKeon explains.

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Wash Your Bedding Weekly

It's not pleasant, but dust mites really do feed on human skin cells, which means they thrive in bedding. Cleaning your bedding regularly is essential for keeping dust mites at bay. "And if pets sleep on the bed, bedding may need even more frequent washing," Dr. McKeon adds.

LeBaron recommends washing frequently used bedding and blankets once a week in hot water. If the fabric permits, Dr. McKeon says drying bedding on high heat (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) will kill lingering dust mites.

Replace Your Air Filters Regularly

Air filters play a significant role in your air quality, which means changing them regularly is critical. LeBaron says most air filters need to be changed every one to three months, but recommends checking your own filter for specific instructions. 

"Neglected filters can clog, increasing energy consumption, reducing performance, and potentially becoming a source of pollution themselves," Dr. McKeon explains. When shopping for new filters, look for options rated MERV 13 or higher (as long as they're compatible with your HVAC system). Dr McKeon says air filters with this rating capture 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns.