Dust, Pollen, Pets: How to Allergy-Proof Your Space

For allergy sufferers, the outside world can be a minefield of environmental triggers that significantly impact their overall quality of life. Finding respite from these allergens is crucial, and creating a safe and clean home to retreat to each day can be lifesaving.

If you suffer from common allergy symptoms like congestion, a dry and scratchy throat, sneezing, and coughing, it is worth comparing air purifiers and humidifiers to properly understand the difference between the two machines and establish which option may work better for your unique needs.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) defines an allergy as a chronic condition involving an abnormal reaction to an ordinary, harmless substance called an allergen. The most common allergens are pollen, mold, dust, dander, and food allergies.

Allergies can begin at any point in a person’s life and are not restricted to childhood or adulthood. They develop in the immune system, where they are viewed as foreign invaders that the body works to eradicate.

This process often results in common allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, coughing, watery eyes, or an itchy throat, nose, mouth, or eyes. Food allergies typically have other symptoms, including respiratory issues, vomiting, hives, and the serious risk of anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical treatment.

If you live in a household with people prone to allergies, you can implement several effective prevention strategies to eliminate allergens and significantly improve their quality of life.

Air Purifiers

Air purifiers can dramatically improve your health and well-being by removing pollutants and other unwanted allergens from the air. They help eliminate the presence of airborne dust, pet dander, smoke pollutants, and mold spores and mitigate the risk of these particles spreading throughout your home.

Air purifiers circulate air around the room, drawing in air that passes through a filter, trapping pollutants and other harmful particles, and pushing clean and filtered air back out. Quality brands use high-performing HEPA filters, which remove up to 99.97% of all airborne particles.

Removing Mold

According to the AAAAI, over 1,000 different types of mold exist in the United States alone. Mold spores can become airborne and be inhaled by humans and pets without anyone realizing it. While mold is dangerous on its own, it can be particularly detrimental to those with allergies.

If you find mold in your home, it is crucial to remove it immediately. Mold grows in areas with high humidity and dampness, so it is important to investigate all spaces of your home, including indoor plants, for weak areas susceptible to these conditions. Invest in anti-mold products to use in the bathroom and laundry room as needed, and get into the daily habit of wiping down your fridge and sink to inhibit mold growth.

Removing Pollen

Pollen is a type of naturally produced powder, often yellow in color, that is incredibly light and can be carried long distances by wind, insects, animals, and birds. Pollen is one of the most common allergies in the world, affecting millions of people across the globe, especially in locations with high pollen counts.

Pollen is vital to the reproduction and sustainability of plant species but can be a nightmare for anyone with a pollen allergy. The best way to control pollen levels in your home is to limit outdoor exposure during high pollen counts, use an air purifier in your main living areas, take a shower after spending time outdoors, place doormats at every entrance to your home, and frequently wash your hands, especially after being outside.

Removing Dust

Dust is tiny particles, like dead skin cells, pollen, pet dander, mold, clothing fiber, and food particles that accumulate over time. These particles attract dust mites, which are naturally occurring organisms that are impossible to see with the naked eye. Because they feed on shedded skin cells, they are most frequently found in carpets, pillows, mattresses, and upholstered furniture. If you have an allergy to dust mites, you must maintain a clean and dust-free environment as much as possible.

Dust can be present at any time, anywhere, and it does not abate from season to season. While it is impossible to fully remove it from your home, you can significantly reduce its impact on your overall well-being by discarding old clothes, rags, and papers, regularly vacuuming and wiping down surfaces, investing in washable curtains and floor rugs that can easily be cleaned as needed, using mattress and pillow protectors, and investing in an air purifier for your main living spaces. 

Pet-Free Zones

If you have furry, four-legged family members, aim to create a couple of ‘pet-free’ zones around your home. This doesn't mean that your pets should be banished outside or limited to just one or two rooms in your home. Instead, you should ensure that rooms like bedrooms and children's playrooms are free of any allergens created by animal dander while still giving your pets full reign to enjoy the rest of the house.

Furthermore, you should wash your pet and their bedding at least once a week and regularly place it outside in the sunshine and fresh air to air out properly. Ideally, litter boxes should be kept outside, but if this is not possible, ensure they are cleaned every day, and any spillage is removed immediately. Remember that pet dander is not exclusive to cats and dogs; it can also be found in rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs.

Hypoallergenic Bed Linen

The bedroom is the most allergy-prone room in the entire household, mainly because dust mites are the most common indoor allergen. A fantastic and effective way to combat these pesty critters is to use hypoallergenic casings on your bed, including mattress and pillow protectors.

Bed linen should be washed at least once a week, and the bare mattress should be vacuumed before being made. Avoid buying unnecessary decorative pillows or blankets that are difficult to clean, as they could harbor unwanted dust mites, perpetuating the issue.