How to Allergy-Proof Your Home and Improve Indoor Air Quality 

With about 26% of US adults and 20% of US children affected by seasonal allergies, allergy season can make life miserable for those sensitive to pollen, dust, and pet dander. A sneeze-free home isn’t just about avoiding the outdoors—indoor allergens can be just as problematic. If you’re wondering how to allergy-proof your home in Dallas, TX, a rental in Orlando, FL, or your apartment in Tulsa, OK, small changes can make a big impact.  

With expert tips and practical hacks, you can create a cleaner, healthier space for the season ahead. 

What are allergens? 

Allergens are tiny, often invisible substances that trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. These particles, found both indoors and outdoors, often become airborne, allowing them to be inhaled or settle on surfaces in your home. Learning how to allergy-proof your home is essential for minimizing exposure to these triggers. 

What are some common allergens? 

It’s important to know what you’re fighting when trying to allergy-proof your home. From dust mites to mold, these allergens can trigger symptoms of serious allergies and leave you feeling itchy, achy and congested. 

Below are some of the most common household allergies: 

Dust mites 

These microscopic insects are some of the most common household allergens, thriving in warm, humid environments around the house. 

Common symptoms: Asthma, headaches, itchy nose, throat and eyes 

Mold and mildew 

Mold is a fungus that grows best in damp, poorly ventilated environments that don’t receive a lot of sunlight. The most commonly affected areas include bathrooms, piping and kitchens. There are many common types of mold, including Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Stachybotrys (also known as black mold). 

Common symptoms: Asthma, COPD (in those with preexisting conditions) and headaches 

Pet dander 

Pet dander (animal allergies) are caused by reactions to the saliva and dead skin cells on your pet’s skin. As many as 30 percent of Americans have dog and cat allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. 

Common symptoms: Itchy or swollen eyes, stuffy nose and trouble breathing 

Pollen 

Many plants, including oak trees, ragweed and grass, create a fine powder called pollen when they begin to bloom. Over 25 million Americans are allergic to pollen of one kind or another.  

Common symptoms: Itchy or watery eyes, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and coughing. 

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) 

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemical gases emitted by a wide array of products, including carpeting, perfumes, air fresheners, certain cleaning products, upholstered furniture, adhesive and office equipment like printers and copiers. The three most common VOCs are formaldehyde, ammonia and benzene. 

Common symptoms: Itchy eyes, sore throat, headache, nausea, fatigue and dizziness 

What are some ways to prevent allergens from entering your home? 

1. Use allergen-proof covers 

Protect your sleeping space with special dust-mite-proof covers. “Encase mattresses, pillows, and box springs in dust-mite-proof covers,” recommends Craig Watson, MBA, CEO and founder of Baked Cravings, a peanut-free and nut-free bakery based in New York, NY. This simple change can significantly reduce exposure to dust mites, which thrive in bedding. 

2. Minimize pet dander 

If you have pets, their fur and dander can quickly become a problem. Bobby Byrd of Allergy & ENT Associates in Houston, TX suggests, “Frequently clean curtains, upholstery, and pet bedding, and bathe pets regularly to reduce dust and pet dander.” Bobbie also recommends keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons especially if you live in a city known for allergies. 

3. Keep your bathroom spotless 

The bathroom is one of the most mold-prone rooms in the house, but there are simple ways to combat mold and keep it spotless.   

First, ensure proper ventilation by using an exhaust fan, as recommended by the Mayo Clinic. If your bathroom lacks a fan, ask your property manager to install one, or keep a window or door cracked to reduce moisture buildup. Skip plug-in air fresheners, which release VOCs that can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Instead, try a candle or air-filtering houseplant to keep the air fresh. Opt for a nylon shower curtain instead of vinyl, as it doesn’t emit VOCs. Lastly, choose mold-resistant paint or enamel for your bathroom surfaces, and consider replacing wallpaper with tile or paint to further prevent mold growth. If you rent, consult your property manager before making changes. 

4. Reduce clutter 

“Clutter can trap dust and make cleaning difficult,” says Craig Watson from Baked Cravings. When your home is filled with stacks of items, hidden corners, and piles of belongings, dust and allergens have more places to settle and accumulate. A clutter-free space, on the other hand, is much easier to clean and maintain. By minimizing clutter, you create fewer surfaces where dust and pet dander can collect, making it easier to wipe down and vacuum regularly. Not only does this reduce the buildup of allergens, but it also promotes better airflow and overall cleanliness in your home.  

5. Improve indoor air quality 

“Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, which worsens allergies,” explains Lali from TEQOYA air purifiers. With modern homes being more airtight to improve energy efficiency, they also trap airborne pollutants, which can lead to poor air quality indoors. These pollutants—such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and even VOCs—can accumulate over time, exacerbating allergy symptoms. A high-quality air purifier, like TEQOYA’s filterless model, helps eliminate allergenic particles like dust mites, pollen, and other irritants while keeping air clean and natural. 

6. Keep your kitchen clean 

Your kitchen can be a source of indoor allergens, especially if you use a gas stove. “An induction cooktop from MLD is a great choice for reducing allergens,” says Taylor from appliance store MLD, located in Salt Lake City, UT. Unlike gas stoves, induction cooking doesn’t release combustion pollutants, improving air quality while also making cleanup easier. 

In addition to your stove, it’s essential to keep the rest of your kitchen clean and allergen-free. Regularly check under the sink for mold, as leaky pipes and dark spaces can encourage growth. If you find mold, clean it with a baking soda, vinegar, and tea tree oil solution. Renters should report leaks to their property manager. Clean your fridge weekly to remove moisture and mold, and ensure good ventilation by using the vent hood, opening windows, or turning on fans. Seal food in airtight containers and wipe down surfaces to keep pests like cockroaches at bay, which can trigger allergies. If needed, request pest control services from your property manager. 

7. Leave shoes at the door 

“A healthier home starts at the front door,” advises Nicole Jones of Concord, NH-based wellness group Anticancer Lifestyle Program. “Leave shoes outside or in a designated spot to keep pesticides, heavy metals, and other pollutants from being tracked inside.” She also recommends vacuuming regularly with a HEPA-filter vacuum to trap dust, pet dander, and harmful chemicals. 

8. Monitor air quality 

“How do you fight allergens you can't see?” asks Kacey Chua from Get uHoo. With real-time air quality monitoring from uHoo, you can track invisible triggers like dust, mold spores, and VOCs. This allows you to adjust humidity, ventilate, and purify your air at the right times. These unseen allergens can be just as harmful as visible ones, affecting your health in ways you might not even realize. 

9. Invest in HEPA filters and maintain your HVAC system 

“The kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms are often hot spots for indoor air problems,” says Gary from the Allergy & Asthma Network located in Fairfax, VA. He suggests using HEPA filters on HVAC systems and vacuum cleaners to trap allergens more effectively. Maintaining indoor humidity at 50% can also help prevent mold and dust mites. 

ENT surgeon, Dr. Kashif Mazhar at excelENT Medical in Durham, NC further emphasizes the importance of maintaining clean indoor air. He stresses the importance of routine HVAC maintenance, including filter replacements, to prevent the circulation of dust and mold spores. He also recommends, “Have your carpets deep cleaned frequently, or better yet, replaced with hard flooring to reduce allergen retention.”  

10. Ditch synthetic fragrances 

Many people don’t realize that synthetic fragrances and candles can be significant allergens, adding an extra toxic burden on the body. “We recommend ditching synthetic fragrances, plugins (like Glad, Febreze, etc.), and candles altogether;” says Dr. Gabe of Lighthouse Chiropractic and Wellness. 

As an alternative, he suggests using essential oils in a diffuser as certain blends can help purify the air and remove pollutants and allergens. 

11. Deep clean upholstery and carpets 

“Regularly deep clean upholstery, carpets, and mattresses using steam cleaning or HEPA-filter vacuums,” says Arslan of Züriclean. These methods help remove allergens like dust, pet dander, and mold spores. Steam cleaning kills bacteria and dust mites, while HEPA vacuums trap even the smallest particles. For a deeper clean, use enzyme-based cleaners to break down allergens at the molecular level, creating a fresher, healthier home environment. 

12. Wash clothes and bedding in hot water 

“Allergens are sticky and easily transfer onto you and your clothes,” says Amanda Rumore from Allergy Defender. “Wash your hands after petting animals or take a shower after being outside.” She also recommends washing clothes and bedding in hot water (above 130°F) to remove allergens. Hot water helps break down and eliminate particles like dust mites and pollen that may have settled on fabrics, keeping your living space cleaner and more allergen-free.  

13. Use allergen sprays 

“Reducing allergens at home starts with neutralizing them at the source,” says Amanda Rumore. A mineral-based Allergen Spray, like Allergy Defender, works by effectively neutralizing airborne and surface irritants such as dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can settle on various surfaces, making it harder to maintain an allergen-free environment. Regularly using such sprays, alongside other cleaning methods, ensures a more allergen-free living space, offering relief to sensitive individuals. 

How to allergy-proof your home: final thoughts 

Reducing allergens requires a multi-step approach. “Minimizing indoor allergens isn’t just about doing one thing—it takes a holistic approach to really make a difference,” says Agnese of Dust Mite Allergy Solutions, an online store with products to reduce dust mite allergens.  

From dust-mite-proof covers to HEPA filters and allergen sprays, small but consistent efforts can make a noticeable difference. Now that you know how to allergy-proof your home, take action today to enjoy a cleaner, healthier space and beat seasonal allergies.