You may not be able to control what’s happening outside during allergy season, but learning how to allergy-proof your home can make a world of difference for your symptoms. A few small adjustments can keep pollen, dust, and other irritants at bay—which means you can sleep better, breathe easier, and create a safe haven to recuperate.
“Frequently used spaces, such as the living room and bedroom, would be common places for allergens to accumulate,” says Alexa Mieses Malchuk, MD, a board-certified family physician at Geisinger. “Also, any room in which the windows are open creates an opportunity for outdoor allergen accumulation.”
As for where else allergens might be hiding in your home? The answers might surprise you. Allergy sufferers should be conscious about what they’re tracking in. “The main thing that brings in allergens is us,” says Beth Oller, MD, a family physician at Rooks County Health Center. Creating new habits at home—like leaving outer layers in a designated area, changing your clothes, or showering after any prolonged period spent outside—can help keep your space allergen-free.
Ahead, we ask the experts for a crash course in how to allergy-proof your home, room by room. From air filtration tips to mold prevention, we’ve got you covered.
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Bedroom
If you find yourself up all night sneezing, it’s probably time for a bedding refresh. “When it comes to bedding, use zippered, allergen-resistant covers on mattresses and pillows because it’s much harder for anything to get in,” Dr. Oller says. These allergen-resistant covers are also easy to wash. If you’re allergy-prone, Dr. Oller also recommends washing all of your bedding at least once a week. “The important thing is to make sure it’s in 130-degree water because that’s what kills dust mites. So you’ve got to get it good and hot,” she says.
While you’re washing your mattress protector and bedding, Dr. Mieses Malchuck recommends vacuuming your mattress, since the dense material is an allergen trap. “Keeping a dedicated air purifier in the bedroom can also be helpful,” she says. Dr. Oller also recommends preventing clutter—especially fabric items, like stuffed animals and decorative pillows—to streamline dust control.
Clorox Ultra Air Purifier With UV-C Light
Snuggling up with a pet might also be making your symptoms worse during allergy season. “For people who are very allergy prone, keeping pets out of the bedroom is probably an important thing,” Dr. Oller says. Even if you’re not allergic to dogs, their coats can trap external irritants which easily transfer to your bedding. If you’re in a small space (or if your furry friend is stubborn), Dr. Oller says that regular bathing and grooming should be a priority when your symptoms spike.
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