6 Ways to Keep Your Home Allergen-Free
Updated December 2023
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If you’re a homeowner, one thing you may have noticed is that homeowners today want a “green cleaning.” Keep reading for ways to do just that and for tips on how – and why – to keep your home free of allergens and irritants that can harm your family.
It’s important to understand where toxins in the air come from. There are numerous sources of indoor air pollution, including shampoos, cleaning products, vinyl and carpet flooring, paint, and fabrics. These, coupled with pet dander, mold, mildew, and smoke, can make your home a dangerous place, especially for children.
Poor indoor air quality can lead to asthma and other respiratory conditions, the former of which causes more lost school days than any other illness. With this in mind, read on for the details of six tips to help you ensure your home is a place of respite instead of respiratory distress.
Utilize Carbon Monoxide Monitoring
No matter how much you clean and open the windows, carbon monoxide -- an undetectable deadly gas -- can linger in the air. Carbon monoxide is often introduced into a home through gas appliances. Luckily, carbon monoxide detectors (affiliate link) are very affordable. They are a simple way to help keep your family safe.
Discuss Humidity
Humidity isn’t just for the outdoors. A home should have a humidity level of between 30 percent and 50 percent. This is moist enough to make breathing comfortable but not so damp as to encourage the growth of mold spores and dust mites. If your home is super dry, it may be time to bring in a humidifier (affiliate link) to add moisture. Before making a purchase, it’s best to look over some guides and reviews.
Stop the Smoke and Dander
As this American Home Shield blog explains, cigarette smoke is one of the largest contributors to indoor air pollution. The CDC further stresses that children exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke are in danger of middle-ear diseases, lower respiratory illnesses, impaired lung function, and sudden infant death syndrome. Secondhand cigarette smoke can increase an adult’s risk of stroke by up to 30 percent. If you must smoke, choose a designated outdoor location, preferably at least 25 feet from the home.
Another irritant is pet dander, whether it’s from a cat, dog, or other furry friend. Dander is composed of dead skin cells that your pet sheds, so regular bathing and proper blow drying will minimize dander. You may also check into the many anti-allergen pet products on the market that include shampoos, conditioners, and other topical treatments.
Lastly, if you allow your pet to relax on your furniture, consider having these pieces professionally cleaned to help remove dander and dirt they have accumulated. You can search for “furniture cleaning near me” online to find local pros, and then you can use sites like Angi to see what their previous customers thought of their work.
Bring the Outdoors In
Not only does nature have the power to bring on a better mood, but NASA has found evidence that common house plants can actually pull formaldehyde and other undesirable chemicals from the air. Seventh Generation explains that spider plants and bamboo palms are great options.
Use Only Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
While this should be the most obvious solution in your bag of tricks, finding truly non-toxic cleaners is easier said than done. Many products that claim to be green actually harbor dark secrets -- just seven percent of cleaning product manufacturers fully disclose their ingredient lists. Steer clear of anything that contains bleach or artificial fragrances, each of which can harm the skin and lungs. Also, use naturally derived bath products.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
A home’s ventilation is simply the way it circulates the air. Have a professional evaluate your central heating and cooling system and ductwork. Make sure to open windows and keep combustible appliances away from walls to allow proper airflow. Effective ventilation may help filter allergens from the home and lower condensation, VOCs, and radon gas.
Being inside is no protection against pollution and may even be worse than hanging out on a smoggy city sidewalk. These tips can help you maintain a clean and healthy living environment that won’t harm your children’s long-term health.
