Pets truly are one of life's greatest joys. But, with glorious coats of fur comes great cleaning responsibility that's amplified tenfold if you suffer with a pet dander allergy.
So, how do you keep a clean home when you have pets? Here, professional cleaners share their top tips for reducing and avoiding allergens, without compromising on the comfort and health of your furry friends.
5 cleaning tips when you have a pet dander allergy
1. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter
A vacuum with a HEPA filter does more than just remove dust and debris
As Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless explains, even if you've invested in the best vacuum you can afford, if it doesn't have a HEPA filter, you might not be doing your health and home any favors.
She explains, 'Standard vacuums tend to blow fine dander and allergens back into the air. A HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter traps 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, preventing them from circulating. If you have carpets or upholstered furniture, this is a must.'
Therefore, when choosing a vacuum cleaner, opt for one of the best vacuums for pet hair, or at least one of the best vacuum attachments for pet hair. Our top pick is the cordless Dyson V15 Detect, available at Dyson, which our appliance editor Dan Fauzi deems 'the best choice in almost every way,' with the best hair pickup they've ever seen.
All prices correct at time of publication.
'This vacuum is affordable, with strong suction, and a sealed system to keep allergens inside,' says Karina. It also features a self-cleaning brushroll, and powerful pet hair pickup.
2. Opt for microfiber over feather dusting
Microfiber cloths trap and lock dust for effective removal, rather than sending them shooting up into the air to settle elsewhere
When it comes to removing dust, and doing so properly, Rhonda Wilson, quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning, stresses that she never uses feather dusters when reducing pet dander in the bedroom and beyond.
'They do nothing but spread everything, everywhere! A damp microfiber cloth or an electrostatic sheet is a million times better because these trap the particles instead of stirring them up,' she advises.
Another great pro of these handy home heroes is that it's so quick, easy, and convenient to wash a microfiber cloth, and they work particularly well when paired with a homemade cleaning spray, comprised of warm water, olive oil, white vinegar, dish soap and a few drops of essential oils, such as the MAJESTIC PURE Brazilian Orange Essential Oil available at Amazon. We recommend the Great Value Multipurpose Microfiber Household Cleaning Cloths available at Walmart for a bestselling, affordable option.
Damp Dusters, available at Walmart, are also brilliant. Run them under the tap, dust, then rinse and repeat.
These machine washable microfiber cloths are ideal for color-coded cleaning all round the house, effective for both removing dust and shining surfaces.
These glass spray bottles are perfect for reducing toxic microplastics in your home, with an eco-friendly, reusable and refillable design.
This dish soap is plant based, with a hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested formula that's also 100% biodegradable.
3. Run an air purifier while cleaning
Running an air purifier while you clean helps to stop dust and dander from re-settling on surfaces
As much as cleaning removes dust, it can also kick up a lot of dust, debris, and dander in the process. That's why cleaning expert Karina always runs her best air purifier while cleaning.
She warns, 'Stirring up pet dander while vacuuming or dusting makes it airborne.' For this reason, running an air purifier, particularly one with a HEPA filter (if you're not sure how to choose the right air purifier for your home) captures allergens before they re-settle. Karina's top pick is the Levoit Air Purifier Core 300 available at Walmart, which is also our best budget pick. 'It covers medium-sized rooms, runs quietly, and has a true HEPA filter for pet dander and hair,' she adds.
Pro cleaner Rhonda also runs her air purifier in the bedroom and living room, where her cats love to sit and lounge, making it easier to keep a home clean with cats.
'I initially bought one to test it out and bought another when I noticed I have less sneezing fits,' she says. 'Also, before I tidy up throw pillows, I do a quick swipe with a lint roller first,' such as the Scotch-Brite Extra Sticky Lint Roller available at Walmart, or bestselling Chom Chom Roller Pet Hair Remover and Reusable Lint Roller available at Amazon.
With a 3-in-1 filter, this mini air purifier neutralizes smoke, odors and fumes, while capturing and removing lint, hair, pet dander, fine airborne pollutants, and other particulates for a cleaner home environment.
4. Keep your space clutter-free
Decluttering may be time consuming, but clutter acts as a dander trap and magnifies allergies.
It might be easier said than done, but regularly employing decluttering methods to streamline your space is crucial for curbing and combatting common allergens like pet dander.
'Above all, I think keeping your space clutter free is a big key,' says professional cleaner Rhonda. 'If there’s less clutter, there’s fewer dander traps. Those piles of clothes and random decor collect more than you think. Keep things minimal and make sure your most-used surfaces are easy to wipe down.'
For example, taking the time to declutter countertops will make keeping your bathroom countertops clear or cleaning a kitchen dramatically easier. Then, all you need is a spritz of a multi-surface spray, such as the Method All-Purpose Cleaner available at Walmart.
5. Wash pet bedding and soft surfaces weekly
Washing pet beds is particularly important if you have a pet that sheds
It's more than likely that your pet beds are one of the things you aren't washing enough, which is hardly surprising given how tricky it can be to wash dog beds.
But, as cleaning expert Karina highlights, 'Dander collects on fabrics – pet beds, couch throws, even curtains. Washing in hot water weekly prevents buildup and reduces airborne allergens.'
For extra allergy relief, she continues, add a hypoallergenic detergent, such as the all Liquid Laundry Detergent available at Walmart, which has no dyes, perfumes or irritants, and is great for people (and pets) with sensitive skin and allergies.
This 3-in-1 liquid laundry detergent works on 100% of common stains, and is EPA Safer Choice certified.
Meet our experts
Karina has extensive professional cleaning expertise when it comes to domestic settings, helping clients with pets keep their environment sanitized and free of allergens, with numerous contributions in Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, The Spruce, and more.
Rhonda has been a part of the FreshSpace Cleaning team since 2019, with over 20 years of experience in the cleaning industry.
FAQs
How long does pet dander stay in a house?
If you have pets, it's important to keep a good stock of the cleaning supply checklist for pet owners, as pet dander can linger in the home for four to six months. Cat dander may last even longer, since it tends to be finer and therefore easily becomes airborne.
What destroys pet dander?
Really, the only thing that destroys pet dander and removes it's ability to set off allergies is keeping well on top of your achievable cleaning routine. In particular, vacuuming regularly and washing soft, upholstered surfaces are the most effective ways to keep your space allergen-free.
Once they're newly cleaned, keeping pets off counters is crucial, and our expert-led guide makes it simple to achieve the impossible! If you've ever wondered why it's so hard to vacuum pet hair, you're not alone, but we have expert tips to get your flooring truly refreshed and fur-free.
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