Create an Allergy-Friendly Home, Room by Room

04/30/2025

You might not see them, but your home could be harboring a range of invisible irritants that impact the air you and your family breathe every day. Dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold and mildew, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are some of the most common indoor allergens. They hide in overlooked places—behind furniture, in damp corners, inside soft furnishings—and can quickly trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.

The good news? A few simple (and often overlooked) actions can make a major difference. Here’s how to improve indoor air quality with small, powerful changes—room by room.

Bedroom

We spend about a third of our lives in the bedroom, making it one of the most important spaces to keep clean and allergen-free. A few consistent habits can turn your bedroom into an oasis of comfort. In addition to regular dusting and cleaning, you should:

• Use allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows.
• Wash or freeze stuffed toys to kill dust mites.
• Wash bedding in hot water (at least 130°F) every week.
• Leave your bed unmade to let it cool and air out.
• Keep pets out of the bedroom, and especially the bed, to reduce dander transfer.

Bathroom

Bathrooms are often warm and humid—perfect conditions for mold and mildew. With a little extra attention, you can prevent allergens from building up in this high-moisture zone.

• Run an exhaust fan in your bathroom for at least 15 to 20 minutes after showering.
• Clean the exhaust fan cover a few times per year.
• Inspect showers, tubs, sinks, toilets, and cabinets for mold.
• Replace shower curtains at the first signs of mold or mildew.
• Fix leaks immediately to prevent mold growth.
• Wash bath mats and fabric shower curtains in hot water (at least 130°F) every month.

Living Room

Your living room is a place to relax, but it can also collect a lot of allergens—especially in soft furniture and rugs. Frequent cleaning can help reduce exposure.

• Vacuum soft furniture and drapes with a HEPA-filter vacuum.
• Dust electronics and fan blades—both attract and recirculate particles.
• Declutter to cut down on dust-collecting surfaces.
• Vacuum under furniture, not just around it.

Kitchen

Your kitchen can harbor moisture, odors, and particles that affect indoor air quality. Keep it fresh with these easy habits.

• Always run your exhaust fan while cooking to vent fumes and moisture.
• Use tightly sealed trash cans and clean them regularly.
• Choose fragrance-free, low-VOC cleaners and avoid aerosols.
• Fix any plumbing leaks under sinks or appliances to prevent mold and mildew.

Whole Home Habits

No matter the space, small changes add up. Making consistent choices across your home will have a lasting impact on air quality and comfort.

• Remove strong scents like traditional candles and harsh cleaners.
• Use a dehumidifier and keep humidity levels below 50%.
• Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen hours (typically 10 a.m.–2 p.m.).
• Remove your shoes and leave them outside to keep outdoor allergens out.

Home Improvement Opportunities

If you're planning a renovation or tackling home maintenance projects, it's the perfect opportunity to choose materials and upgrades that support healthier indoor air.

• Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors to prevent pollen and other outdoor allergens from entering.
• Choose low-VOC paints and building products like Knauf Performance+® Insulation, which are Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certified and Verified Healthier Air™.

• Replace carpets with hardwood, tile, or other hard surfaces that are easier to clean and don't trap allergens.
• Whole home air cleaners can be installed in the ductwork of your central air system to improve IAQ throughout the entire home.

Creating an allergy-friendly home isn’t about any one significant change but consistent, small steps. With the right habits and materials like Knauf Performance+, you can help everyone in your household live more comfortably year-round.