You’ve adopted an animal you love, but the pet fur is now triggering your allergies. You don’t want to lose your new friend. What can you do?
Pet ownership is a big part of life in the United States. Statistics show that 67 percent of households have at least one pet. A friendship with an animal can lower blood pressure, increase happiness, and even improve mental health. If you don’t want to give up those benefits just because your pet is giving you an allergic reaction, you’ll need to find a way to deal with the dander.
Allergic to Your Best Friend: Pet Dander is a Problem
Pet allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, are common. They’re caused by proteins found in your pet’s saliva, urine, and shedding skin and hair. While it’s easier to avoid direct contact with saliva and urine, fur is another story. It sheds continuously and gets into everything. Even worse, if your pet spends time outdoors, pollen and other allergens can end up trapped in the fur.
Pet allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Itchy nose, throat, or mouth.
- Red, swollen, or watery eyes.
- Sneezing or nasal congestion.
- Sinus pain or pressure.
- Cough.
- Difficulty sleeping.
You may have heard of “hypoallergenic” dog or cat breeds. These animals don’t shed as much as others, which is why they’re better for those with allergies. However, all animals shed some fur and dead skin. Those with severe allergies will have little choice but to keep their homes as clean and allergen-free as possible.
Getting Rid of Pet Fur: Home Cleaning for Allergy Sufferers
1. Clean
Improving the air quality in your home starts with a thorough deep clean. Be sure to wear a mask during the cleaning process to reduce your exposure to allergens as much as possible.
Dust Shelves and Other Solid Surfaces
If you have pets, the dust on your shelves contains their dead skin. This is a good place to start. Any dust you loosen will settle into the carpet. Be sure to get all surfaces, including ceiling fans, lights, baseboards, door trim, appliances, and so on.
Furniture
As a pet owner, you already know that getting fur off upholstery is tough. A good vacuum cleaner will come with tools that can help loosen stuck hair.
Another great option is a lint roller. To make things easier, consider using washable furniture covers. You can also drape towels or blankets over the section of furniture where your pet likes to sit.
Carpets
Carpets tend to get filthy even in households without pets. For a pet owner, deep cleaning the carpet will be even more important. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recommends vacuuming at least once or twice a week. It’s best to use a vacuum certified for asthma and allergies. These vacuums clean without releasing allergens back into the air.
2. Practice Proper Care
You can’t stop shedding, but the way you care for your furry pal does make a difference. When you brush your pet, do so outdoors whenever possible. Brushing is important for maintaining your pet’s coat and reducing the amount of fur in the home.
Bathing your pet regularly will help as well. Baths wash away dead skin.
3. Get a Professional Deep Clean
There’s only so much you can do with a dust rag and a vacuum. If you’re keeping your home clean but still struggling with allergies, a professional deep clean may help. A cleaning crew will have the tools and experience needed to clear dander from the home. Those with bothersome allergies may want to have their homes deep cleaned on a regular basis.
Trust the Experts: A Clean You Can Feel
When your home is free of pet fur and other allergens, you’ll be able to feel the difference every time you take a breath. If you’re in or around Kennesaw, GA, PCT is here to help. We offer deep cleaning and sanitizing services that can reduce allergens and improve the air quality in your home. Please contact us now for a free quote!
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