Tips for Preventing These Common Indoor Allergy Triggers

Indoor Air Quality & Home Comfort Seasonal HVAC Tips

Your home should be a relaxing place where you can unwind at the end of the day. But when your living space is full of indoor allergy triggers, it can quickly become the last place you want to be. Even those who don’t suffer from allergies can begin to feel flu-like symptoms and other negative side effects caused by poor indoor air quality and exposure to common allergens.

Here, we’ll take a look at common household allergens, understand the symptoms they can cause, and learn what steps you can take to keep them at bay in every room in your home.

Most Common Indoor Allergy Triggers

Common allergens can be hiding even in the cleanest, tidiest homes. Of course, there are often external factors at play, like the presence of pets, or issues with humidity and outdoor air quality, but ultimately, any home is likely to have some of these indoor allergens present. 

• Mold spores: It’s not unusual to find mold in bathrooms or basements, as it likes to grow in dark and moist spaces. However, if you have a humidity problem, you may find mold in other places in your home. Mildew, a particular type of mold, is the most common, and also may cause allergic reactions.
• Pet dander: It’s actually pet dander — dead skin shed by furred or feathered animals — rather than pet fur that can make some people feel miserable around their furry family members. Luckily, there are several ways to reduce the amount of dander inside your home.
• Pollen: While pollen is often produced by outside sources, it can easily be transported into your home via your shoes and clothes. Pets that spend time outside can also carry pollen indoors on their fur.
• Dust mites: These microscopic, spider-like insects are believed to be the cause of allergic reactions and asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. They make their homes in piles of dust, so the more dust there is, the more dust mites there will be in your home.
• Cockroaches: The allergen produced by cockroaches is found in their saliva and waste. Spotting just one cockroach means there’s probably many more you haven’t seen, and this can be especially problematic if someone in your home is allergic to their saliva.

Symptoms of Indoor Allergies

Not sure if what you’re feeling is an allergic reaction or a common cold? Here’s what you might experience if you’re having indoor allergies:

• Runny nose or stuffy nose
• Frequent sneezing
• Watery, itchy eyes
• Coughing, wheezing,  and other symptoms of allergic asthma
• Skin rashes and irritation
• Sore or scratching throat
• General fatigue and malaise

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a cold, seasonal allergies, or indoor allergies. If your symptoms are worse at home, or continue all year round, it might be time to consult with an allergist and possibly undergo allergy testing. This may help identify your specific indoor allergy triggers so you can better manage your symptoms. 

Why Managing Your Indoor Allergies Matters

You might think a little coughing and sneezing is no big deal, but it could lead to complications down the road, or impact the health of a loved one or visitor in your home. Ongoing allergies can trigger dangerous asthma attacks, even in those who haven’t been diagnosed with the condition. They can also, over time, damage the immune system, which is a significant threat to those who are already compromised, like children, the ill, or the elderly. 

It’s important to be aware of potential allergens in your home, and how the people who live with you or visit you may react to those allergens. If you have concerns, make sure to speak with a healthcare provider about what steps to take to keep your friends and family safe, comfortable, and healthy.

Room-by-Room Solutions to Indoor Allergies

While you can’t completely rid your home of every possible allergen, you can take plenty of steps to reduce these allergy triggers and make your space more inviting. Here’s how to do so in every room of your home:

Kitchen

Kitchens can be more prone to dampness, due to running the sink or dishwasher, and to the steam created when cooking. Since it’s also the place where food is stored, prepared, and eaten, it can be a magnet for pests, including cockroaches. Here’s what to do allergy-proof your kitchen:

• Run the range fan when cooking to remove moisture, but only if it vents to the outside of the house.
• Make sure your trash can has a lid, and take it out frequently.
• Use lidded, sealed containers to store food, and never leave food out in the open.
• Sweep the floor regularly to remove crumbs that can attract bugs.
• Don’t let dishes pile up in the sink. Wash them right away or place them in the dishwasher.

Living Room

The living room is usually the heart of the home, but it can be a haven for allergens as well. Take these steps to clear the air:

• Dust with a damp cloth or microfiber towel to trap dirt rather than just move it around.
• If you have wall-to-wall carpet, vacuum regularly, as this can harbor numerous different allergens.
• If you’re in the market for new flooring, opt for a hard surface if at all possible.
• Keep pets off of fabric furniture like couches.
• Wash curtains or wipe down blinds, which can hide dust mites and pollen.

Bedrooms

You want your bedroom to feel like your sanctuary, but indoor allergies can really keep you up at night — literally. Sleep better when you take these steps to remove allergens from your bedroom:

• Wash bedding, including sheets and comforters,  at least once a week in hot water.
• Try encasing your mattress in an allergy-proof cover to keep dust mites out.
• Change out your pillowcases for those that repel dust mites. Replace pillows at least every two years.
• Make your bedroom a pet-free zone to reduce dander.
• Wash children’s stuffed toys and/or store them in bags or plastic tubs so allergens can’t build up.
• Keep the windows closed when the pollen count is high.
• Replace your mattress and box springs at least once every 10 years.

Bathroom

Bathrooms are notoriously humid and damp, so they’re much more susceptible to mold spores and mildew buildup. Follow these steps to make your bathroom squeaky clean and allergy-free:

• Run the exhaust fan during and after showers to eliminate some of the humidity.
• Wipe down tub and shower enclosures after use to remove the moisture.
• Clean mildew as soon as you spot it using diluted bleach.
• Repair any leaks from the sinks, showers, or toilets as soon as you identify them.
• Use gentle cleaning products, as harsh cleansers can exacerbate allergy symptoms.
• Steer clear of burning candles or using skincare products with strong fragrances, which can also worsen symptoms.

Basement

Basements get a bad rap sometimes for being full of mold and prone to leaks. It isn’t true of every basement, but they are certainly more likely to have issues with mildew and humidity than other areas of the home. Take these steps to be proactive:

• Check your drainage and make sure drains are clear and working properly.
• Do a sweep of the basement once a week or so to spot early signs of mold or mildew.
• Pay close attention to unusual odors and don’t be tempted to write it off as a “basement smell.”
• Replace carpeting in the basement with tile or vinyl, which is far more water-resistant.
• If your laundry room is in the basement, leave the washer lid or door open after use to dry it out.
• Get rid of non-washable rugs, as these can trap allergens and start mold growth.
• Store off-season clothing, coats, or fabric holiday decorations in plastic tubs to keep allergens off.

HVAC Updates to Reduce Allergens

Aside from the above room-specific tips, there are many adjustments you can make to your HVAC system to provide whole-home relief:

• Replace your existing air filter with a  high-efficiency particulate air filter (i.e. a HEPA filter) or a high-MERV filter.
• Use an air purifier or other air cleaner to remove particulates from the air. If you already have one, consider using an activated carbon filter.
• Add a UV light purification system to your HVAC.
• Install a whole-house dehumidifier.
• Plan a duct cleaning done by a qualified HVAC technician.
• Replace air filters every 1-3 months.
• Schedule routine HVAC maintenance at least once a year.
• Upgrade to a smart thermostat that can help control temperatures and humidity levels for greater consistency.

Send Those Indoor Allergens Packing with Help from Airtron!

These simple DIY tips can help improve your indoor air quality, reduce asthma triggers, and kick those common allergens to the curb. But there’s one last step you can take to ensure you and your loved ones breathe easier all year round: schedule your HVAC maintenance with Airtron. Explore our Essential HomeCare packages and find the one that’s right for your needs. 

Indoor Allergy FAQs

Got more questions about indoor allergens? We’ve got answers!

Do allergen-proof mattress covers work?

Yes, allergen-proof mattress covers do work to reduce your indoor allergies, by creating a physical barrier around your mattress which dust mites can’t penetrate. They also cut back on exposure to other allergens like dander, pollen, mold, and more. All of this can help relieve your allergy symptoms and reduce asthma triggers.

Why are allergies worse at night?

Allergies are worse at night for several reasons, mostly related to the accumulation of indoor allergens. Allergens like pet dander, dust, and mold spores settle overnight because of reduced indoor airflow. These same allergens can then settle in your nasal passages, triggering an allergic reaction. Additionally, because there is more fabric in bedrooms than most other rooms, the volume of allergens is simply higher in that space. Make sure to wash bedding regularly. Frequent vacuuming can also help if your bedroom is carpeted. 

How often should my ducts be cleaned?

How often your ducts should be cleaned depends on a variety of factors, like the presence of pets, where you live, if you’ve done any renovations, or whether you have smokers in the home. Generally, you want to have your ducts professionally cleaned every 3-5 years, but if you have a large number of people living in the home or any of the factors listed above, you may wish to do it every 2-3 years instead.

---

Related Posts