Guide · Safety and emergencies
An Allergy-Friendly Home
A friendly, practical guide to reducing dust, dander, mold, pests and pollen at home, so everyone with allergies or asthma can breathe a little easier.
Where to start
- Someone is struggling to breathe?
Severe trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or blue lips means call 911 right away. See if symptoms flare at home.
- Just want to breathe easier?
Start with the bedroom. Clean bedding and keeping pets out of the bedroom help the most. The habits checklist has the rest.
- Smell something musty?
Musty smells often mean hidden moisture or mold. Share it in writing, early.
The short version
The air inside a home affects everyone, and small, steady habits can help anyone with allergies or asthma breathe easier.
Start with the bedroom: wash bedding weekly in hot water, use dust mite covers, and keep pets out.
Keep humidity generally between 30 and 50 percent, vacuum with a HEPA filter, and skip air fresheners and indoor smoking.
Share leaks, mold and pests early, and work with a doctor to find personal triggers and build a plan.
Rules about repairs and accommodations differ from place to place, so we’d gently encourage a quick look at the rules where your home is. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.
Four simple rules
- 1Start with the bedroom
We spend about a third of our lives in bed. Clean bedding and a pet-free bedroom help the most.
- 2Keep moisture in check
Humidity generally between 30 and 50 percent discourages dust mites and mold.
- 3Clean, don’t just cover up
Remove dust and pests at the source instead of masking odors with sprays and scents.
- 4Work with a doctor
A doctor can help pinpoint triggers and build a plan. The home is only part of the answer.
Your allergy friendly habits checklist
From the guide’s own checklist. Tick each one as you go. These are examples; your home may need others.
All done. Your home is a little easier on everyone’s lungs.
If symptoms flare at home
- If someone has severe trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or blue lips, call 911 right away.
- Follow the person’s asthma or allergy action plan, if they have one, and use prescribed medicine as directed.
- Move them to fresh air if a smell, smoke or fumes may be the trigger.
- Once things are calm, think about what changed, like cleaning products, a new pet, a leak or high pollen.
- Share any home issue that may be involved, like mold, pests or a leak, in writing.
- Follow up with a doctor to talk about triggers and treatment.
The home is only part of the answer. A doctor can help pinpoint triggers and build a plan.
Guides that go well with this one
How much do you remember?
4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.
Go deeper with The Perfect Series
When you want more than a guide, the books in The Perfect Series go room by room and step by step, in the same calm, plain words.
Keep the full guide handy
The PDF has everything: everyday habits, what to do when something goes wrong, common myths, helpful resources and plenty of real-world tips. Print it, save it or share it with anyone who could use it.
Download the PDFTake it with you
- Healthy Home Checklist PackThe Healthy Home checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
More guides
This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal or medical advice. For allergy and asthma care, please talk with a doctor. Bunklow does not inspect properties or make repairs.