The Ultimate Guide to Allergy-Proofing Your Home This Spring

Our homes might seem like safe havens from allergens, but dust, mold, pet dander, and even pollen from the outside world can cause just as much discomfort as seasonal changes. To minimize these triggers, there are a few things you can do to ensure your home offers relief from allergies.

How To Get Rid of Indoor Allergens

Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, allergens are a normal part of everyday life. And while they can be tricky to deal with — especially when they’re out of your control — there are steps you can take to allergy-proof your home and create a space that doesn’t just look spring-cleaned but feels spring-cleaned (your sinuses certainly won’t lie to you).

When allergy-proofing your home, the goal is to decrease common allergens, such as dust, mold, pet dander, and pollen. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get rid of indoor allergens for a more effective spring clean.

Vacuum Regularly

It goes without saying that vacuuming is one of the best ways to pick up dirt, dust, dander, and other allergens. But while vacuuming regularly — we’re talking at least once or twice a week — can help you reduce allergens inside, the type of vacuum you use can make an even bigger impact. To ensure your vacuum gives you the most effective clean, go with a bag-free HEPA model designed specifically for allergens, such as the MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off Pet Vacuum Cleaner from BISSELL.

Wash Your Bedding

Dust loves a comfy bed, so it’s a great idea to keep up with your laundry and wash your bedding at least once a week to keep allergens at bay. Additionally, invest in a dust cover for your mattress and pillows to keep those pesky dust mites away.

Tip: If you have a pet who shares your bed, consider changing or washing your bedding more frequently to minimize pet dander.

Invest in a High-Quality Air Purifier

Air purifiers are a surefire way to address airborne allergens, and investing in a high-quality option can make a world of difference. For the best air purifiers, consider brands such as Coway, Blueair, and LEVOIT. If you travel often and have concerns about air quality while you sleep, you can even opt for a travel-friendly air purifier such as the Levoit Core® Mini Air Purifier or the Conair Portable Air Purifier.

Dust With Intention

There are so many ways to get rid of dust in your home, and anything that kicks it up into the air (we’re looking at you, feather dusters) is worth avoiding. Instead, dust with intention and use damp microfiber cloths to pick up the debris. You can also try microfiber gloves for harder-to-reach and delicate areas such as plant leaves (yes, those need to be dusted, too) and trinket shelves. It’s worth changing the order in which you dust, too; dust from top to bottom, not ground up, to avoid sprinkling dust on recently cleaned areas.

Wash Your Curtains

When was the last time you threw your curtains in the wash? Curtains are known to collect dust and dust mites, so it’s worth giving them a good rinse every three to six months — just be sure to consult the care label first. While your curtains are down, don’t forget to dust the rods and finials.

Keep Your Windows Closed

If outdoor pollen is a major trigger, try to keep your windows closed as much as possible. Opening up your windows invites all of that outdoor pollen into your home — especially on breezy days — and can provoke allergy responses.

Bathe Your Pets

Giving your dogs and cats a bath is not only great for their health, but also great for yours. Pet fur can collect allergens (both indoor and outdoor), and snuggling up with them may increase your allergy response. Bathing your pets regularly can reduce allergens in your home and make it smell a whole lot fresher.