12 Ways You're Accidentally Bringing Allergens Into Your Home

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The sneaky way allergens slip into our homes without us realizing it. We may think we are doing everything right, but it’s easy to forget that everyday habits that might be making things worse. While we can’t keep our homes in a bubble, we can take easy steps to decrease our exposure to allergens.

Since we know this, let’s take a look at a few of the ways allergens are sneaking into your home and how you can keep them out.

Bringing Shoes Inside

Dirt, pollen, and other outdoor allergens are sponged up by your shoes. You’re dragging in invisible hitchhikers every time you walk through the door with your shoes on. It’s not just mud, it’s all the things you stepped in during your day. If you have allergies, try not to drag those allergens all over your floors by leaving shoes at the door or having a dedicated indoor pair.

Fresh Flowers

Fresh cut flowers are as pretty as they come, but they can be allergy bombs waiting to go off. Allergy sufferers are further aggravated when some flowers release pollen into the air. If you can’t bear to part with your blossoms, hypoallergenic versions, such as roses or orchids, are less likely to cause a reaction because they produce less pollen.

Using the Same Cleaning Cloth Everywhere

Using the same rag or cloth to clean every room of your home can help spread allergens from one area to the next. Think about it: wiping down the bathroom sink and then using that same cloth in the living room is like giving dust mites and bacteria a free ride. To prevent cross contamination keep different cloth for different rooms or turn to disposable wipes.

Open Windows

A cool breeze is something we all love, but when pollen counts are high, that open window is like a wide open invitation for allergens to come in. Airing out your home before the pollen can make your indoor air worse than the outdoors, so check the pollen forecast first and keep windows closed on peak days.

Skipping Weekly Pet Baths

Our pets bring more than love into the house, and we love them, but it can be a lot to handle. If your furry friend also loves to roll around outside, then pet dander, fur, and dirt can also trigger allergies. Allergens can be kept in check by regular baths, and don’t forget to wash their bedding!

Ignoring Vacuum’s HEPA Filter

A HEPA filter vacuum is a game changer for allergy prone homes, if it works. If you don’t clean or replace the filter, allergens can escape right back into the air. To really trap those tiny particles, make sure your vacuum’s HEPA filter isn’t dirty or broken.

Not Washing Bedding Frequently Enough

Turns out that your bed might be a lot more comfortable than you thought – at least for dust mites! These little guys love bedding, feeding on dead skin cells, and causing allergies. To keep the dust mites away and breathe easier while you sleep, wash your sheets and pillowcases in hot water weekly.

Not Changing Your Air Filters

Forgetting to Change Air Filters — Photo Credit: Liza Summer/Pexels

According to uHoo, your air filters defend your home against the allergens that are floating around in the air. So when did you last change them? An air filter that is dirty is about as useful as a broken umbrella in a rainstorm. Clean or replace them often to help keep the air in your house cleaner and dust and pet dander and pollen free.

Dirty Curtains and Blinds

Focus Photography of Brown Curtain — Photo Credit: Dương Nhân/Pexels

When it comes to cleaning, curtains, blinds and shades are often neglected. Though they’re right there in plain sight, they sit quietly collecting dust and allergens. Reduce allergen build up in these often neglected spots with a regular wash or wipe down.

Storing Firewood Indoors

16 Useless Garage Items Taking Up Space You Should Get Rid Of — Image Credit:Maria Ilaria Piras/Pexels

Wood can bring in mold spores, dirt, and insects. And if you have a fireplace, it might be tempting to stack firewood inside for convenience’s sake. But fires should be kept outside and firewood stored there, only bringing in what you’re ready to burn. Plus, your home will look less cluttered!

Many Rugs

Rugs are great at adding warmth and style to any room, but they can also be a dust and allergen trap, holding dust, pollen and pet hair. If you can’t bear to part with your favorite rugs, then vacuum them often, or choose smaller, machine washable ones to reduce the allergen load.

Candles and Air Freshener

Scented candles and air fresheners are lovely for your home, but they can irritate sensitive noses and lungs. According to the National Institutes of Health, many of these products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can further aggravate respiratory issues. If you’re sensitive to smells, try essential oils in a diffuser or select fragrance free air fresheners instead.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.