Is your home making you sneeze? Many people are surprised to learn that indoor allergens—from dust mites to pet dander—can build up in the air, carpets, and furniture. For allergy sufferers, this can turn your home into a sneezing zone. For homeowners trying to sell, it might turn off sensitive buyers. The good news? You can take steps to identify and remove these allergens—starting today.
Whether you're a homeowner trying to breathe easier or a real estate agent advising your client, this guide will show you how to test your home for allergens, remove triggers like cat allergens, and improve the overall indoor air quality for healthier living (and selling).
The Usual Suspects: What Allergens Lurk in Your Home?
When clients or buyers say, “I love the house, but my allergies flared up when I walked in,” you can bet there’s an allergen overload. Common culprits include:
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mold spores
- Cockroach droppings
- Pollen
- Fragrance and chemical irritants
If you've ever wondered “How to get cat allergens out of house” or “What’s the best home treatment for cat asthma?”, you’re in the right place.
How to Test Your Home for Allergens
Before you can fix a problem, you need to identify it. Many people ask: “How do I test your home for allergens?” or “Can I test my house for allergens myself?” Yes, you can.
Here are your top options:
1. DIY Allergen Test Kits
These over-the-counter kits let you collect dust samples from various parts of the home and send them to a lab. They test for:
- Dust mite debris
- Cat and dog dander
- Cockroach allergens
- Mold spores
If you’ve ever Googled “Test house for allergens”, these kits are likely what you’ll find. They’re not as detailed as professional testing, but they’re a good start—especially if you or your clients are sensitive to pet allergens.
2. Professional Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Testing
This is the gold standard. IAQ specialists use air monitors and lab tests to evaluate allergens and pollutants. If you’re preparing a home for sale—or helping a buyer with health concerns—it’s worth recommending this service.
For people with cat-induced asthma, knowing exactly what allergens are in the home can guide treatment and management. It’s also a proactive step when staging or marketing a pet-friendly home.
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How to Get Cat Allergens Out of the House
If you have cats, you already know that cat allergens are sneaky. The main culprit is a protein (Fel d 1) found in cat saliva, skin flakes, and urine. It spreads through the air and sticks to walls, furniture, and fabrics—even long after the cat is gone.
Here’s how to minimize cat allergens in the home:
- Keep cats out of the bedroom.
Bedrooms are where we spend 1/3 of our time, and it's where exposure matters most—especially for anyone needing home treatment for cat asthma. - Vacuum with a HEPA-filter vacuum.
Standard vacuums can just redistribute dander. HEPA models trap fine particles and help prevent recirculation. - Use allergen-proof bedding.
Mattress and pillow covers help block allergens that settle where you sleep. - Wash fabrics frequently.
Wash bedding, curtains, and throws in hot water weekly. - Wipe down walls and hard surfaces.
Cat allergens are sticky. Use damp cloths or microfiber towels to trap them rather than spreading dust. - Use a high-quality HVAC air filter.
If you’ve asked “Does home air filter quality matter?” or “What’s the best HVAC air filter for home with pets?”—the answer is yes, and pleated filters with a MERV rating of 11+ are ideal. - Run a HEPA air purifier.
Portable HEPA units are especially useful in bedrooms and living areas. They help capture airborne cat allergens, pollen, and dust. - Steam-clean carpets and upholstery.
If you're prepping a home for sale, this can dramatically improve the air—and first impressions.
Pro tip: Even in homes where cats no longer live, allergens can linger for 4–6 months or more. That’s why proactive cleaning matters, especially in real estate.
Household Allergen Hot Spots and How to Handle Them
Here’s a quick breakdown of allergen-prone areas and what to do:
| Hot Spot | What to Watch For | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Carpets & Rugs | Pet dander, dust mites | Vacuum with HEPA, steam clean, reduce carpeting where possible |
| Bedding & Upholstery | Dust mites, dander | Wash weekly in hot water, use covers |
| HVAC System | Circulates allergens | Replace filters every 1–3 months; use MERV 11+ |
| Bathrooms | Mold spores | Use exhaust fans, clean regularly |
| Basements | Mold, dust | Run dehumidifiers, clean thoroughly |
| Kitchens | Cockroach allergens | Keep clean and dry, seal food and garbage |
Go beyond the basics and become your clients’ go-to resource for healthy living spaces! Empire Learning’s Healthy Homes (4-hour) and Healthy Home Fundamentals (3-hour) CE courses are designed to help real estate professionals like you understand the hidden health risks that can impact a home—and its value. From mold, lead, and radon to indoor air quality, asbestos, and pesticides, you’ll gain the knowledge to confidently address client concerns and highlight key features that matter in today’s market.
Home Treatment for Cat Asthma (and Other Allergy Issues)
Living with pets doesn’t mean you’re doomed to wheeze. If someone in the household has cat asthma, small lifestyle changes make a big difference.
Here are some smart home treatments for cat asthma:
- Install HEPA air purifiers in main living spaces
- Avoid air fresheners and scented candles (they can irritate airways)
- Keep humidity below 50% to reduce dust mites and mold
- Groom cats regularly to reduce dander
- Choose smooth flooring over carpet where possible
- Keep a “pet-free zone” (like the bedroom)
These steps aren’t just helpful for those with asthma—they’re great prep for real estate showings as well. Buyers with sensitivities often ask, “Were there pets in this home?” A cleaner, allergen-conscious space will be much more appealing.
Real Estate Pro Tip: Allergen Control Adds Marketability
If you're a real estate agent helping a seller with pets or allergies, suggest these quick wins:
- Replace HVAC filters and clean air vents
- Steam clean all carpets and fabric furniture
- Use sprays to reduce allergens in the home
- Add a portable air purifier before showings
- Highlight any recent allergen-related improvements in listing descriptions
Buyers will notice a home that smells clean, looks fresh, and doesn’t trigger a sneeze-fest. Plus, it positions your seller as a responsible homeowner.
To Learn More...
For real estate professionals, understanding these concepts can be particularly valuable during discussions with clients about why REALTORS® and real estate agents are knowledgable professionals.
If you’re preparing for your Real Estate Continuing Education or looking to enhance your knowledge through a Real Estate Course, topics like Healthy Homes can help set you apart.
As part of your License Renewal Course or other Real Estate CE efforts, staying informed on foundational property concepts can make a big difference in your expertise and client relationships.