14 Ways to Allergy-Proof Your Home

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While most people are rejoicing over the arrival of spring, allergy sufferers know that with the warmer weather also comes sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Even though you won't be able to avoid all allergens, there are several ways to allergy-proof your home in order to keep the sneezing to a minimum.

1. Use doormats to catch outside irritants

Use two doormats, one outside and one right inside the front door to catch any pollen and other allergens hanging onto our shoes. Better yet, make your home a shoe-free zone and make a habit of taking off your shoes as soon as you come home.

2. Replace bedding with hypoallergenic options

Upgrade your sheets, pillows, pillowcases, duvets, and comforters to hypoallergenic versions. If you can't afford to replace all of your bedding at once, start with the pillowcases, since those are the closest to your face when you sleep. Your laundry detergent could cause allergy flare-ups, too, so wash with unscented soaps.

3. Clean or replace air filters

Clean or replace your home's air filters every 90 days if you are a pet-free home or every 60 days if you have a dog or cat. If you have more than one pet, clean or replace the air filters every 20-45 days. Pet fur and dander cling to these easily, and could be the cause of increased allergic reactions.

4. Add houseplants

Some house plants can help improve the air quality of your home, while also adding color and life to every room you put them in. The best air-purifying plants include garden mums, spider plants, and peace lilies, among others. Place one or more of these plants in the rooms you spend the most time in, and on your nightstand to help improve your sleep. (See also: The Best Cheap Plants for Improving Indoor Air Quality)

5. Invest in an air purifier

A good air purifier will cost you between $50-$100, but it is a worthwhile investment. Keep one in your room, your kid's room, and in the main living area. Remember to clean the filters and wipe down the unit every month or two to ensure the unit stays effective.

6. Use a humidifier

The difference between air purifiers and humidifiers is that the former clears smoke, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens from the indoor air without adding moisture, and the latter adds water to the air, without cleaning it.

In order to keep allergic reactions at bay, it's helpful to have both in your home. If indoor air becomes too dry, allergies and respiratory issues can be triggered. If the air has too much moisture, you risk the spread of dust and mold. Humidifiers should be cleaned once a week in order to prevent dust and mold buildup. So while it's a delicate balance, it's worth it to keep a humidifier nearby to the prevent sneezing fits, sore throats, and runny noses that are common during allergy season.

Humidifiers are also extremely affordable, running you anywhere from $15–$50, depending on the size and model.

7. Rethink your curtains

While curtains and drapes can make a room look stylish and cozy, they can also harbor a lot of dust mites and other common allergens. Consider ditching the curtains altogether, or wash them in hot water every few months to remove allergens.

8. Kick your pet out of bed

Even if snuggling with your dog or cat is the best part of your day, health-wise, it might be worth it to kick them out of your bedroom and have them sleep elsewhere. If you can't get your dog or cat out of the room, at least train them to sleep somewhere other than your bed, so you aren't constantly exposing your airways to their fur and dander. (See also: 6 Money Lessons You Can Learn From Your Pets)

9. Wash stuffed animals

Kids' stuffed animals can be major magnets for dust mites. Be sure to wash them regularly and don't be afraid to give a sweet teddy the boot (or replace it with a new one if your child is particularly attached) if it looks past its prime.

10. Get rid of carpet

This might not be in everyone's budget or realistic for everyone's lifestyle, but it could be highly beneficial for allergy sufferers, especially those who live in older homes. Your carpet might be the source of many of your allergy problems, especially if it has lived through another owner or two. Getting the carpets cleaned can help, but it doesn't eliminate the allergy problem like replacing carpets for hard floors does.

11. Keep an eye out for mold

Deep clean any area that is prone to mold, including the kitchen sink and underneath it, the bathroom, and the fridge. And any item that is regularly exposed to moisture can get moldy, so clean toys, garden tools, cleaning utensils, and kitchen tools to avoid allergic reactions and respiratory conditions involved in long-term exposure to mold. (See also: 6 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Mold on Common Household Items)

12. Groom pets regularly

Getting long-haired pets trimmed or shaved for the spring and summer months can cut down on shedding, and reduce unwanted allergens in your home. If your pet can't rock a shaved look, give them baths regularly in the warmer months and brush out their fur outside.

13. Dust smarter

It's important to dust regularly, but dusting the wrong way can make particles fly up into the air and aggravate your sinuses. Instead, use a damp cloth or a Swiffer duster that captures the dust molecules instead of spreading them.

14. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter

A vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is extremely effective at removing small dust particles from your home. Vacuum carpets and furniture once or twice a week, and change the HEPA filter according to your vacuum manual.

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