How to Reduce Allergens in Your Home

Step aside harsh chemical cleaners. Removing allergen causing dander, spores and pollens from your home just requires a little time and elbow grease, according to The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Washing and purifying nearly everything in your home will eliminate a build up of allergens and reduce cases of itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and respiratory problems. Although the process isn't quick, after manually washing everything in the home, it becomes easier to keep up on reducing allergen causing dirt.

Round up the bedding, rugs, pillows and soft children's toys. Laundering all portable cloth items with color-safe bleach will destroy allergy-causing particles. In the bedrooms consider replacing dust-mite filled mattresses and pillows to dramatically reduce allergens.

In the kitchen and bathroom, spray down all hard surfaces with naturally disinfecting hydrogen peroxide or vinegar. These simple solutions destroy microscopic molds, fungi and dust mites.

Vacuum carpeted areas with a bagless vacuum and empty its content in an outdoor garbage bin. Damp mop all hard-surface floors, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Consider replacing allergen collecting upholstered couches, cloth-covered chairs and carpet to even further reduce allergens in the home.

In all rooms of the home, use a damp cloth to wipe down hard surfaces such as furniture, wall hangings and staircases. Dry dusting can spread allergens, while a damp method traps the particles.

Check and repair any basement leaks that allow pollen or pests to enter the home. Decaying insects and mouse waste can cause allergy flares. Replace furnace and air conditioning filters as instructed on the appliance -- or more often.

Move blooming, potted plants to a porch or outside. Have long-haired pets groomed often to remove their dander undercoat.

Once everything in the home has been cleaned or washed, install an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America claims HEPA filters remove 99 percent of allergens from the home.

To maintain a low-level of allergens in the home, perform weekly through cleanings.

Sources and Suggested Further Reading:

Clorox: Clean up dust and mold to reduce irritants that cause allergens

MayoClinic.com: Allergy-proof your house

The Money Pit: Improve Indoor Air Quality and Reduce Allergens

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Indoor Air Quality and Allergies

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Staying Healthy During Spring Cleaning

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