Bio-One of Marion County decontamination and biohazard cleaning services

How to Keep Your Home Allergen-Free with Pets

How to Keep Your Home Allergen-Free with Pets

We all love our furry friends, but sharing your home with pets can often mean sharing it with allergens, too. Unfortunately, it visually results in uncomfortable symptoms, from sneezing fits to itchy eyes. This guide will walk you through practical tips and techniques for cleaning a house with pets and creating a healthier home for you and your family.

Understand the Source of Allergens

Before you can tackle allergens effectively, it's important to understand where they come from! In homes with pets, the most common sources include:

  • Pet Dander: Tiny flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, and other pets with fur or feathers.
  • Saliva and Urine: Proteins found in animal saliva and urine can trigger allergic reactions.
  • Fecal Matter: Dust from pet feces, especially in areas where they relieve themselves, can be allergenic.
  • Outdoor Allergens: Pets that spend time outside can bring in pollen, mold spores, and other outdoor allergens.

Regular Grooming for Your Pets

One of the most effective ways to reduce allergens is by regularly grooming your pets. This not only keeps them clean but minimizes the amount of dander and other allergens they shed around the house.

  • Brushing: Use a quality brush suited to your pet’s fur type and brush them at least once a week. This will help remove loose hair and dander. For best results, brush your pets outdoors to prevent allergens from spreading inside your home.
  • Bathing: Regular baths can significantly reduce dander and dust. Use pet-friendly shampoos that are gentle on their skin. Frequency depends on the pet and breed, but a bath every 4-6 weeks is a good general guideline!
  • Professional Grooming: Consider periodic visits to a professional groomer, especially if your pet has long or dense fur. Groomers can provide a thorough cleaning and may offer services like de-shedding treatments.
dog grooming concept furry friend

Optimize Your Home’s Environment

Your home's environment plays a crucial role in managing allergens. Simple changes can make a big difference in air quality and allergen levels.

  • Air Purifiers: Invest in a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier. These devices are excellent at capturing airborne allergens, including pet dander.
  • Humidifiers: Maintain humidity levels between 30-50%. This helps prevent the growth of mold and dust mites, which can exacerbate allergies.
  • Ventilation: Ensure your home has good ventilation. Open windows when possible, or use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to help circulate fresh air.

Implement a Cleaning Routine

A regular cleaning routine is essential to keep allergens at bay. Focus on areas where allergens are most likely to accumulate.

  • Vacuuming: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap allergens. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture at least twice a week.
  • Dusting: Use microfiber cloths or electrostatic dusters to trap dust instead of spreading it. Don’t forget to dust hard-to-reach places like ceiling fans and light fixtures.
  • Washing Pet Bedding: Wash your pet’s bedding, toys, and blankets frequently using hot water (at least 130°F) to kill any dust mites.
  • Deep Clean: Schedule regular deep cleaning sessions to address areas that are often overlooked, like behind furniture or under heavy appliances.

Establish No-Pet Zones

Cleaning a house with pets means creating no-pet zones in certain areas of your home. This can greatly reduce the spread of allergens, especially in spaces where you spend a lot of time.

  • Bedrooms: Consider making bedrooms pet-free zones to ensure a restful, allergen-free sleep environment.
  • Furniture: Restrict pets from furniture if possible. Use allergen-proof covers on sofas and chairs if they share this space.
  • Children’s Play Areas: Keep pets out of play areas to maintain a clean, safe space for children.
no pet zone dog couch concept

Use Allergen-Reducing Products

In addition to your cleaning regime, consider using products specifically designed to reduce allergens in your home.

  • Allergen-Proof Bedding: Encase mattresses and pillows in allergen-proof covers to prevent the accumulation of dander and dust mites.
  • Anti-Allergen Sprays: These sprays can help neutralize allergens on surfaces and fabrics. Use them as directed for best results.
  • Flooring Choices: If possible, opt for hard flooring instead of carpet. It’s easier to clean and doesn’t trap allergens as much as carpeting does.

Cleaning a House With Pets: How Bio-One Can Help

At Bio-One of Marion County, we understand how important it is to maintain a clean and healthy home for you and your family. That’s why we offer professional cleaning services that go beyond just the surface level! Our technicians can handle all types of pet waste, including urine, feces, and dander. In addition to regular cleaning services, we also offer deep cleaning sessions to thoroughly eliminate any hidden allergens in your home.

Call our team today for a free consultation in the Indianapolis area!


Bio-One specializes in blood and bodily fluids, decomposition/undiscovered death, crime scene, suicide cleanup, tear gas, feces/urine, sewage backups, and odor removal. Helping people get their lives back in order is our #1 priority. 

Bio-One of Marion County is here to help you 24/7, 365 days a year! Call (317) 499-0614, and you'll speak directly to one of us when you call; there is never an answering service.  We'll treat you like a person with the compassion and respect that you deserve.