Indoor allergies can turn your home from a place of comfort to a source of constant irritation. If you find yourself dealing with a runny nose, itchy eyes, or puffy skin more often than usual, your environment might be the culprit. Dust, pet dander, and pollen trapped indoors are common triggers. Unlike a passing cold, allergies often persist and flare up when you’re at home, easing when you leave. That being said, there are plenty of tips and hacks to relieve some of your symptoms. Treating symptoms like puffy eyes with a de-puffing serum can provide relief, for example. But the relief is temporary. If you want to truly reduce allergies permanently and enjoy your home without a runny nose, you’ll need to tackle the root causes.
Target Pet Hair And Dander
Pets are wonderful companions, but they bring hair and dander that can settle into carpets, furniture, and even the air you breathe. If you have a pet, vacuuming should become a regular part of your routine. Aim for at least twice a week, and invest in a vacuum designed to handle pet hair. Standard vacuums often miss the finer particles that trigger allergies.
Furniture can be a magnet for pet hair, and regular lint rollers don’t always do the trick. Consider using a brush or fabric sweeper designed specifically for upholstery. Pet-friendly furniture covers can also help by trapping hair and dander, making it easier to clean.
Remove Allergy Triggers In The Air
The air inside your home can contain more allergens than you might expect. Air ducts and air conditioning units are major contributors. Over time, dust, mold, and pollen collect in these systems and get redistributed every time you turn them on.
Regularly cleaning or replacing air filters can reduce the spread of allergens. Professional air duct cleaning once a year can make a noticeable difference, especially if you have pets or live in a high-pollen area.
Adding an air purifier to your home can also help. Look for one with a HEPA filter, as these are designed to trap even the smallest particles, including pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores. Place the purifier in areas where you spend the most time, like your bedroom or living room.
Deep Cleaning Is Key
Carpets and upholstery act as traps for dust, pet hair, and other allergens. Even with regular vacuuming, these materials hold onto particles that can irritate your system. Schedule a deep clean for your carpets every six months. If you have pets or allergies are particularly bad, quarterly cleaning might be necessary.
Upholstered furniture should also be cleaned frequently. Removable covers make this easier—toss them in the wash every month. If your furniture doesn’t have removable covers, a handheld steam cleaner can lift embedded allergens from the fabric.
In conclusion, reducing allergies inside your home isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about creating a space where you can fully relax and breathe easily. A few simple adjustments to your cleaning routine and home environment can make a world of difference.
The owners of Cinnamon Hollow and many of its authors are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
