Pet allergies got you down? It’s time to clear your throat and wipe those watery eyes long enough to read these tips on how to keep dander to a minimum. Even if you don’t have a pet, dander can still make it into your home through your clothing, but home maintenance and decor choices can help minimize allergens, for both you AND your pet.
1. Stay on top of home cleaning
Cleaning your home frequently goes a long way to keeping pet-related allergens at bay. Dander can be found on furniture, walls, stairs, vents, woodwork, the tops of appliances and in room corners. Vacuum at least once a week and dust furniture, baseboards, ceilings and walls regularly.
2. Declutter
Animal allergens can stick to anything, so the fewer things you have sitting around, the less you have to dust and the better you’ll feel. Why do we need all those throw pillows anyway?
3. Wash all bedding and pet toys frequently
If you DO have a pet, you know their favorite spots and toys are covered in dander. Opt for a pet bed with a removable cover that can be tossed in a washing machine and easily cleaned. Materials that work well are tightly-woven 100% cotton or microfiber and hemp fabrics. Some silk beds are also an allergy-friendly option. If your pet is lucky enough to relax on YOUR bed, you’ll want to keep your linens clean as well. In a pinch, you can use an allergen spray mineral concentrate. Just add water and spray in the air and on most surfaces, including pillows and bedding. Also, choose toys that are dishwasher or clothes washer safe. Toss the plastic and rubber toys in the empty dishwasher and any fabric toys in the clothes washer frequently.
4. Say no to fabric window treatments
Blinds and shades made of anything other than fabric will hold less dander. You may need to clean them with your vacuum more frequently, but that can be done without taking them down. You will want to remove anything fabric and toss it into the washer regularly.
5. Ditch the carpet
If you still have a lot of carpet in your home, know that it’s a trap for pet allergens. Allergens can settle deep into the padding, beyond the reach of a vacuum. Every time you walk across the carpet, you stir up those allergens sending them swirling in the air. Maybe it’s time to switch out the flooring for hardwood or tile. You can still use rugs, but get the ones that can be washed frequently. Ruggable.com offers some hypoallergenic rugs that are easy to clean and perfect for kids and pets.
6. Choose furniture with easy-to-clean upholstery
Say yes to leather, pleather, microfiber, denim, canvas and outdoor or performance fabrics. All resist stains and can be easily cleaned with a steam cleaner or even a microfiber cloth. Slipcovers are another option, but those will need to be removed and washed once a week.
7. Say yes to HEPA
HEPA air cleaners & purifiers and vacuums with a HEPA filter are great investments for allergy sufferers. Some purifiers are portable so they can be moved from room to room. If you have carpet, the HEPA filters for vacuum cleaners are specially made to trap tiny particles of dander, dust, hair and other allergens. Look for a vacuum that includes a filter that is certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
8. Change HVAC filters monthly
Clean or replace the filters in your heating and air conditioning system. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on frequency, but if you’re sensitive to pet dander or have a couple of pets, it’s wise to vacuum or change your filter monthly. And guess what? There are HEPA filters available for your HVAC systems too. Get one with a MERV rating of at least 17 to be the most effective.
9. Groom your pet regularly
Consider setting up an outdoor bathing station to make cleaning allergens off your pet easier. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, pay attention to the plants in and around your yard. Make sure there’s nothing like ragweed or other pollen-laden plants nearby that make you sneeze and wheeze.
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