Home is where the heart is. However, for people sensitive to household allergens, home is where the allergies are.

Those suffering from allergies and asthma may blame blooming buds or freshly cut grass for their sneezing fits and watery eyes, when their home may be contributing to those symptoms just as much, if not more. 

Common household allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, pollen, and pest droppings, can significantly impact indoor air quality and overall health and well-being. 

In this guide, we will explore the nature of common household allergens, how they affect your health, and practical strategies to reduce their presence in your home. By implementing these tips, you can significantly improve your indoor air quality and reduce the burden of allergens on your daily life.

The Most Common Household Allergens

While many of us associate allergies with outdoor culprits like grass pollen, the truth is that our homes can harbor a variety of allergens that significantly impact our health and comfort.

Household allergens (indoor allergens) are small particles or substances that trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. These microscopic troublemakers can be found in various areas of your home, often hiding in plain sight. Let's zoom in on the most common household allergens. 

• Dust Mites: These microscopic creatures thrive in warm, humid environments and feed on dead skin cells. They're commonly found in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Dust mite allergies can cause symptoms similar to hay fever, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
• Pet Dander: If you're a pet owner, you might be all too familiar with this allergen. Pet dander consists of tiny flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, birds, and other animals with fur or feathers. These particles can get caught in any surface but particularly cling to fabrics and furniture.
• Mold Spores: Mold thrives in damp areas of your home, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. When mold releases its spores into the air, they can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms may include sneezing, itching, and, in some cases, more severe asthma attacks. Prolonged mold exposure may also lead to chronic illnesses like CIRS, making mold prevention vital. 
• Pollen: While typically associated with outdoor allergies, pollen can easily make its way into your home through open windows and doors or on clothing and pets. Different types of pollen, such as those from trees, grasses, and weeds, can cause seasonal allergies.
• Rodents (Mice and Rats): Mouse and rat droppings, urine, and dander can be significant sources of allergens. These pests can contaminate surfaces and air, exacerbating allergic reactions and asthma flare-ups.
• Cockroach Droppings: Cockroach allergens are particularly common in urban areas. These allergens come from cockroach saliva, droppings, and decomposing bodies. They're often found in kitchens and bathrooms and can trigger asthma symptoms, especially in children.

Everyone’s allergic symptoms will be different. However, common reactions include sneezing, coughing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy, watery, or red eyes, or skin reactions like rashes or hives. Those with a more severe allergy may have heightened symptoms or even trouble breathing. Seek medical care if your allergy symptoms become unmanageable. 

Specific Tips for Eliminating Each Household Allergen

You know what could be causing your indoor allergy symptoms—now, what can you do about it?

Let’s review specific tactics for managing each type of allergen. 

Dust Mites

Dust build-up is quite common in homes, even in areas that experience heavy foot traffic, like bedrooms and living spaces. And it’s not as harmless as it might appear. The reason? Dust mites. Dust mites thrive in house dust, eating flakes from dead skin cells and dander deposited by people and pets.

To reduce their presence:

• Use an allergen-proof mattress and pillow cover. These tightly woven covers prevent dust mites from colonizing your bedding.
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites and remove allergens.
• Minimize clutter and upholstered furniture, as these provide ideal habitats for dust mites.
• Regularly wash stuffed toys and curtains, or replace fabric curtains with easy-to-clean blinds.

Controlling your home’s humidity is also important, as dust mites are attracted to humid environments. 

Pet Dander

For those with furry friends, managing pet dander is crucial. 

Here's how:

• Keep pets out of bedrooms and off furniture to reduce the spread of dander—easier said than done, we know!
• Bathe and groom pets regularly. While this doesn't prevent dander production, it can reduce the amount of dander in your home.
• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters in rooms where pets spend the most time.
• Vacuum frequently to capture pet dander.

Mold Spores

Mold thrives in damp areas and can be a persistent allergen. To combat mold and prevent allergic reactions:

• Do not leave surfaces wet that will not quickly dry on their own to prevent mold growth.
• Use mold-resistant products in home renovations, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Regularly clean areas prone to mold growth, like showers and sinks, with mold-killing products.
• Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas.
• Fix any leaks and repair water-damaged materials promptly to prevent moisture accumulation and mold growth

Pollen

While we all wish pollen would stay outside, it has ample opportunity to find its way into your home. To reduce it:

• Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen seasons, especially on windy days.
• Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors to avoid bringing pollen into your living spaces.
• Use a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA and carbon filter to remove pollen from indoor air.

Pest Droppings 

No one wants to have to worry about pests in their home. To manage an infestation (and keep subsequent allergy symptoms at bay): 

• Keep kitchen and dining areas clean and free of crumbs. Remember to store food in airtight containers.
• Seal cracks and crevices to prevent pest entry. Pay special attention to areas around pipes, windows, and doors.
• Use baits and traps to control pest populations. If the problem persists, consider professional pest control services.
• Regularly clean areas where pests are likely to hide, such as under sinks, appliances, and in dark areas like cabinets.
• Use airtight containers for garbage and dispose of trash regularly.
• Remove leaks from pipes or faucets, as pests are attracted to water sources.

By implementing these specific strategies for each type of allergen, you can significantly reduce their presence in your home. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to allergen management. Regular cleaning, maintenance, and air purification systems can make a substantial difference in indoor air quality and overall health.

How Air Purifiers Can Help With Indoor Allergies 

As we’ve discussed, many strategies exist to remove common household allergens. While rigorous cleaning routines are important, air purifiers are equally critical in maintaining quality indoor air and mitigating allergy reactions. 

Since air purifiers clear your air of allergen particles, you’re less likely to come in contact with (and be affected by) those particles. This can dramatically increase the quality and cleanliness of your indoor air. 

When selecting the right air purifier for your room, be sure to consider the size of the room, filter type, and additional features like carbon filtration, bi-polar ionization, and more. This will ensure you get the best air purifier for your allergies. 

Incorporating a high-quality air purifier like the iAdaptAir® 2.0 from Air Oasis into your allergen management strategy can significantly reduce airborne allergens in your home. This, combined with regular cleaning and the other strategies we've discussed, can create a much healthier living environment and reduce allergy symptoms.

Get relief from common household allergens with an air purifier today!