How to Reduce Household Allergens and Improve Indoor Air Quality

Common Household Triggers for Asthma and Allergies

Asthma and allergy triggers aren't just about dust mites and pollen—although they don’t help. Many come from the products we bring into our homes. Below are some of the most common household triggers for asthma and allergies to look out for. 

Dust mites. These microscopic bugs live in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets. Their waste is a major allergen trigger.

Pet dander. Even if you're not allergic to your pet, dander can accumulate on surfaces and fabrics, aggravating asthma.

Mold and mildew. Bathrooms, basements, and anywhere with excess moisture can harbor mold, which releases spores that irritate airways.

For tips on how to keep mold in the bathroom at bay, read our Guide to Removing Mold & Mildew in the Bathroom

Cleaning products and toxic fragrances. This is the big one people don't always expect. Cleaning products can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are used as solvents, toxic fragrances, and preservatives. When sprayed, these products aerosolize compounds that can be inhaled and trigger asthma symptoms.

Many cleaning products contain strong scents, toxic chemicals, and VOCs that can set off asthma symptoms. In fact, one study found that regular use of cleaning products was as harmful as smoking several cigarettes a day.

Why Toxic Fragrances Are a Problem

That "clean" smell from your laundry detergent or the "fresh breeze" scent from your air freshener isn’t as harmless as it seems. Toxic fake fragrances commonly contain phthalates, which can stir up asthma symptoms like wheezing and chest tightness. Even worse, toxic fragrance ingredients don't have to be disclosed on labels—they're protected as trade secrets.

This means you have no way of knowing what you're actually breathing in when you use products whose ingredient label simply says “fragrance”. That’s why the American Lung Association recommends using only non-toxic cleaning products that don't contain volatile organic compounds, toxic fragrances, irritants, or flammable ingredients.

How to Clean Your Home Without Triggering Asthma or Allergies

Reducing household allergens and improving indoor air quality doesn’t mean you have to ditch spray cleaners and air fresheners—you just need to be mindful of the products you’re using. Opt for non-toxic cleaning products that don’t include harsh ingredients like toxic fragrances, VOCs, and harmful preservatives that often trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory issues. 

Here’s how to clean your home without setting off asthma or allergy symptoms. 

Switch to non-toxic, toxic fragrance-free cleaning products. Truly Free Home cleaning products are formulated without toxic fragrances, VOCs, or harsh chemicals that trigger respiratory issues. Whether you're cleaning counters with Everyday Cleaner, scrubbing the bathroom with Bathroom Cleaner, or washing clothes with Laundry Wash, you're using plant-powered ingredients that clean effectively without irritating airways.

Vacuum with a HEPA filter. Regular vacuums can blow allergens back into the air. HEPA filters are specifically designed to trap dust, dander, and other particles, making them the best option for asthma and allergy sufferers.

Wash bedding weekly in hot water. Washing linens and bedding regularly kills dust mites and removes allergens that can set off respiratory issues. Just make sure you’re using a gentle, non-toxic, fragrance-free laundry detergent like Truly Free Home Laundry Wash.

Control humidity. Keep humidity levels below 50% to prevent mold, run exhaust fans in bathrooms during and after showers, and fix leaks promptly to avoid unnecessary bacteria.

Dust with damp cloths. Dry dusting just moves allergens around. A damp microfiber cloth traps dust instead of sending it into the air.

Skip plug-in air fresheners entirely. Plug-in air fresheners don't clean the air; they just add more chemicals to it. If you want your home to smell fresh, try opening windows, running a HEPA air purifier, simmering cinnamon and orange peels on the stove, or opt for a non-toxic option like Truly Free Home Space Freshener, which is scented with safe essential oils and naturally derived plant-based fragrance oils.

The Bottom Line

You can have a clean home and healthy lungs at the same time; it simply requires rethinking what "clean" means. Real clean doesn't come with a toxic fragrance or a cloud of harsh chemicals. It comes from products that actually remove dirt and allergens without adding new irritants to the air you breathe.

Truly Free Home makes it easy to reduce household allergens, improve air quality, and keep your home clean and safe for the whole family.