Eleven to fifteen per cent of the adult population and almost one in three children in developed countries have some form of allergy to household allergens. Symptoms — a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, a rash and, in the most severe cases, asthma attacks — are directly dependent on the concentration of allergens in the space you live in. The good news: the concentration of allergens in your home is not constant. With the right methods, you can reduce it by 70-90% and dramatically improve your quality of life without expensive medication.
The main allergens in the home
| Allergen | Source | Where it accumulates | Danger |
|---|---|---|---|
| House dust mites | Dead skin cells | Mattress, pillow, carpet, furniture | High |
| Pet hair and dander | Cats, dogs, rabbits | Everywhere, especially textiles | High |
| Mould spores | Wet areas | Bathroom, kitchen, walls | High |
| Pollen | Outdoor air | Windows, floor, textiles | Seasonal |
| Cockroaches (rubbish) | Kitchen, basements | All surfaces | High (especially asthma) |
| VOCs (chemicals) | Paints, cleaners, furniture | Air | Moderate to high |
House dust mites — the number 1 allergen
Mites are microscopic arachnids that live in every home. They do not bite and they do not fly — but their faeces and dead bodies are potent allergens that cause allergic rhinitis, asthma and eczema in sensitive individuals.
Mattress — the heart of the dust mite ecosystem
An average unwashed mattress contains hundreds of thousands of dust mites. At night, body heat and moisture create the perfect conditions for their reproduction. Dimensions:
- Anti-allergy cover — essential for mattresses and pillows. A waterproof barrier that denies dust mites access to nutrients.
- Wash bedding at 60°C weekly — a temperature that kills dust mites.
- Deep clean the mattress every 3-6 months with a Kärcher Puzzi 10/1 — hot water + extraction remove dust mites and allergens
- Air the room for 15 minutes every morning — dust mites hate dry, fresh air
Details: Deep mattress cleaning — how often? and Mattress dust mites — the complete guide.
Carpets and furniture upholstery
Carpets collect dust mites just like mattresses. For allergy sufferers:
- HEPA vacuum cleaner every day
- Deep clean the carpet with a Puzzi machine every 3 months
- Consider replacing carpets with a smooth floor (easier for allergy sufferers)
- Deep clean upholstered furniture every 3-6 months
Pet hair and dander
Pet allergen is actually a protein found in an animal's saliva, urine, and dander (skin cells) — not in the fur itself. The fur just carries it around the room.
Measures to reduce pet allergens
- No pets in the allergy sufferer's bedroom (at least not on the bed)
- Brushing your pet regularly (outside, not indoors)
- Washing your pet once a week reduces the allergen by 84%
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter daily on textile surfaces
- Air purifier with a HEPA filter
- Deep clean furniture and carpets frequently
More: Cleaning a home with pets.
Mould and spores
Mould spores in the air cause allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals. Measures:
- Relative humidity below 50% — dehumidifier in damp areas
- Ventilate bathrooms and kitchens every time
- Regularly clean grout and silicone (prevents growth)
- An air purifier with a HEPA + carbon filter traps spores
Detailed: Mould in the home — causes and a permanent solution.
Pollen
Pollen enters through windows, clothing and footwear. During the pollen season (April–June for grasses, August for ragweed):
- Keep windows closed during peak pollen hours (10 am–4 pm)
- Brief morning airing (6-8 am — lower concentration)
- Shower and change of clothes upon arriving home
- Indoor air purifier with a HEPA filter
- Wash bedding weekly (pollen settles)
Humidity and air control
| Measure | Allergen-reducing | Estimated effect |
|---|---|---|
| HEPA air purifier | Dust mites, pollen, spores, pet hair | 80-99% reduction in particles |
| Humidity 40-50% | Dust mites, mould | 50-80% reduction in dust mites |
| Anti-allergy mattress cover | Dust mites | 90%+ allergen block |
| HEPA vacuum cleaner (every day) | All dust mites | 60-80% reduction |
| Weekly bedding wash at 60°C | Dust mites | 99% of dust mites killed |
Plan for allergy sufferers — priorities
- Anti-allergy mattress and pillow covers (immediately)
- Wash bedding at 60°C every week (immediately)
- HEPA vacuum cleaner (investment, one-off)
- Air purifier in the bedroom (investment)
- Air humidity control (dehumidifier or humidifier)
- Deep cleaning of mattresses and carpets (Puzzi) — every 3-6 months
- Deep cleaning of furniture — every 6 months
- Mould prevention (ventilation, impregnation)
Local context
Allergists and asthmatics in Dugo Selo, Sesvete, Vrbovec, Brckovljani and Sveti Ivan Zelina also face the particular challenge of seasonal pollen (ragweed is extremely widespread in the continental part of Croatia) and household allergens. Combining seasonal deep cleaning of the home (spring and autumn) with hiring a Kärcher Puzzi 10/1 for mattresses and carpets is the most effective approach to visibly reducing the allergenic load in the household.
Allergy Sufferer's Checklist
- ☐ Anti-allergy mattress and pillow covers
- ☐ Wash bedding at 60°C every week
- ☐ HEPA vacuum cleaner — every day
- ☐ Air purifier in the bedroom
- ☐ Deep cleaning of mattresses — every 3-6 months.
- ☐ Deep carpet cleaning — every 3 months
- ☐ Humidity 40-50% (dehumidifier or humidifier)
- ☐ Mould — check and prevent
- ☐ Pet — regular grooming and washing
- ☐ Pollen season — closed windows + HEPA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the most effective step to reduce dust mites in the home?
An anti-allergy mattress and pillow cover is the most effective and cheapest step — as it blocks dust mites' access to their food source and eliminates over 90% of the allergens from the mattress that we inhale every night. Washing bedding at 60°C weekly kills the mites in the bedding itself. A combination of these two steps is the foundation.
Can a cat cause allergies even when I don't touch it?
Yes. Proteins (Fel d 1) from cat saliva, dander and urine are distributed throughout the flat — on furniture, textiles, in the air — and remain in the space for several weeks even after the cat has gone. Regular deep cleaning of furniture and carpets reduces these allergens, but does not eliminate them completely. The only permanent solution for a severely allergic flatmate is to rehome the pet.
Is a HEPA air purifier really necessary, or is it just marketing?
Clinical studies (Cochrane, University of Manchester) show moderate but consistently positive results for HEPA filtration in reducing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma. It's not a "magic bullet" — but in combination with other measures (encasements, washing, humidity), it statistically reduces symptoms. It's most effective in the bedroom where you spend 7-8 hours. It's absolutely not marketing.
What room temperature is unfavourable for dust mites?
Dust mites are less active at temperatures below 20°C and humidity below 50%. A temperature below 16°C significantly reduces reproduction. For bedrooms — a temperature of 18-19°C with humidity below 50% is optimal for mite control (and for a good night's sleep). Avoid overheated rooms in winter.
How long do pet allergens last in a space after the pet has gone?
Cat allergen (Fel d 1) can remain in the environment for 3-6 months after a cat has left the flat — it is absorbed into textiles, wallpaper and dust. Dog allergen (Can f 1) lasts for a shorter time, 2-3 months. Thoroughly cleaning the home with deep cleaning of all textile surfaces (Puzzi) and a HEPA air purifier speeds up the elimination, but a complete absence of the allergen can take up to a year.
Can deep carpet cleaning really reduce allergic symptoms?
Yes — research shows that deep cleaning carpets using the extraction method (like Puzzi) reduces the concentration of dust mites and their allergens by 70-85%. Standard vacuuming only removes surface allergens. Hot water extraction penetrates the fibres and removes dust mites, allergens and faecal matter. For allergy sufferers — this is not a luxury.
What are the symptoms of a house dust mite allergy?
Allergic rhinitis: sneezing, runny nose, congestion, an itchy nose. Allergic conjunctivitis: watery, red, itchy eyes. Asthma: wheezing, coughing (especially at night), shortness of breath. Atopic dermatitis: dry, itchy skin. Chronic fatigue (due to disturbed sleep caused by symptoms). Symptoms are typically worse in the morning and evening — precisely when we are on the mattress surrounded by dust mites.
Is a dust allergy permanent or can it be treated?
Immunotherapy (desensitisation) with specific allergens can significantly reduce or eliminate allergic reactivity to house dust mites — success is 60-85% in patients who complete a 3-5 year programme. In parallel, reducing allergen exposure (measures described in this guide) reduces the severity of symptoms even without immunotherapy. Antihistamines and corticosteroids manage symptoms but do not treat the underlying cause.
Conclusion
Allergens in the home are controllable — but they require a systematic, multi-layered approach. There is no single "magic" measure — but a combination of a mattress encasing, HEPA filtration, regular deep cleaning, and humidity control can dramatically reduce symptoms and improve the quality of daily life.
If you don't have the right equipment or simply want to leave the job to the professionals, there are solutions that can significantly speed up and simplify the entire process.