Strategies to Eliminate Pet Dander in a Home with Allergic Family Members: Insights on Combating Allergens from Pets
Slaying Dander: Keeping Your Home Free of Pet Allergens, by Lauren Bradbury
Pet dander: it's tiny, it's everywhere, and it's a nightmare for allergy sufferers, be they human or in-law. When we adopted our lovable, non-hypoallergenic cocker spaniel, I had to become a pet dander sleuth, figuring out the best ways to keep my home dander-free and my in-laws sniffle-free. Here are my top five strategies to conquer pet dander, drawn from my trials and tribulations as a proud dog parent.
1. Vacuum like a Boss with the Right Vacuum
It's essential to find a toothy vacuum if you want to give pet dander the boot. Many top-tier vacuums are up to the task, but for pet owners, the best vacuums for pet hair reign supreme. That's because they're designed with our furry friends in mind.
I never dare enter the battlefield of carpet against canine without the heavy artillery of a HEPA filter on my side. "There's no better solution for trapping pet dander and allergens than using a vacuum with a HEPA filter," explains Atit Chopra, Product Development Director at Beldray.
Models with the mighty HEPA filter battle dander on floors, sofas, and upholstery, ensuring that my home remains a haven of sneezy-free calm, even with canine conquest aboard. Personally, I employ the Dyson Gen5detect as my go-to for everyday dander destruction.
Special occasions call for the Miele Guard M1 Cat & Dog, priced at a reasonable £279 on Argos. Bagged vacuums, as the choice between bagged and bagless vacuums will tell you, are the clear winners for those suffering from allergies. They seal away every last bit of dander, ensuring it stays contained and far from sniffles.
2. Wet'n'wonder: Ditch Dry Dusting
Knowing how to dust isn't just for hay fever sufferers aiming to pollen-proof their homes. With wet dusting, it's easy to grab hold of tiny dander particles and bid them farewell. Instead of reaching for a dry duster, load up a damp microfiber cloth for dusting hard surfaces, like tables and skirting boards.
For a deeper dive into dander removals, don't forget about those trusty curtains and blinds. Wet dusting is essential for keeping them in tip-top shape, especially before the arrival of guests.
Laura Harnett of Seep explains, "It's tricky to dust fabrics, and the best way is with a slightly damp bamboo cloth, being careful not to over-saturate the fabric. It's because water traps dust particles."
3. Suck it up with an Air Purifier
Air purifiers are appearing more often these days, and for a good reason. I'm a pet owner and hay fever sufferer who swears by my air purifier's power. Regular use goes a long way towards reducing dander levels in the home.
Selecting the right air purifier is all about the filter. Choose an air purifier with a HEPA filter if you want to keep dander at bay. These superior filters wipe out up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Air purifiers should work their magic for around 8-12 hours per day for optimal air quality, as cleaning up dander can stir it up, making symptoms worse. I'm a sucker for the Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier, ringing in at a reasonable £249 from Shark. It's equipped with Anti-Odour cartridges to combat unpleasant pet odors, a welcoming addition for paws-itive air.
4. Groom, Groom, Groom!
Neglecting your pet's grooming is a ticket to a pet dander infestation. After all, pets dislodge dead skin cells, dirt, pollen, and other icky particles with their licks, and you don't want those nasties roaming your home. Regular grooming keeps dander in check.
This goes beyond professional grooming sessions at the groomers—we groom our pet regularly at home, brushing him and washing him about monthly or more frequently if he decides to frolic in the mud. Also, I wash his bedding as often as needed, either tossing it in the wash or using the Shark carpet cleaner and spot cleaner.
Cleaning specialist Joyce French of HomeHow.co.uk stresses the importance of regular grooming, especially for hay fever sufferers. "Pet dander itself is also one of the leading allergens for hay fever sufferers. Reduce the amount of pet dander in your home with regular grooming, such as brushing and bathing your furry friends."
FAQs
How long does pet dander linger in the home?
Pet dander can hang around your home for months, undetected in small nooks and crannies. Even after four-legged family members have moved on, dander can stick around for up to six months.
Does a washing machine vanquish pet dander?
Washing machines can indeed remove pet dander from clothing, bedding, and other textiles. Loading items in a hot wash cycle will effectively loosen dander and help detergent do its deed, leading to better results than cold wash cycles.
- Incorporating cleaning hacks into your home-and-garden lifestyle will help combat pet allergens, such as wet dusting places like tables, skirting boards, and blinds instead of using a dry duster.
- To maintain a dander-free lifestyle and home, consider investing in a home-and-garden essential - an air purifier with a HEPA filter, which can reduce dander levels by up to 99.97%. Applying lifestyle modifications and home-and-garden solutions will ensure you keep pet dander under control.
