BlogWhen allergy season hits, it’s not just what’s outside that causes the sneezing—pollen and fine dust hitchhike indoors on shoes, clothes, pets, and even through open windows. The goal of an allergy-season cleaning routine isn’t to make your home “look” cleaner. It’s to reduce the particles that trigger symptoms: pollen, dust mites, mould spores, and pet dander.
Below is a simple, realistic routine you can follow daily, weekly, and monthly—plus a deep-clean checklist you can use any time symptoms spike.
Quick win mindset: You don’t need to clean everything every day. You need to clean the right surfaces the right way, consistently.
What Makes Allergy-Season Cleaning Different?
Most regular cleaning focuses on visible mess. Allergy cleaning focuses on:
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Fine particles (dust, pollen, dander) that settle on surfaces and fabrics
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Airflow hotspots (vents, filters, fans) that redistribute allergens
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Soft furnishings (carpets, rugs, curtains, upholstery) that trap triggers
And the biggest change: avoid dry-dusting, which can kick allergens back into the air.
Your Allergy Season Routine at a Glance
Daily (10–20 minutes)
These are the “keep allergens under control” tasks:
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Entryway reset (2 minutes):
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Shake out doormats (outside)
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Put shoes away (ideally a no-shoes rule indoors)
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Wipe the entry floor with a damp microfibre mop
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High-touch wipe-down (5 minutes):
Use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe:-
bedside tables
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dining table
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kitchen benches
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bathroom vanity
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Quick vacuum in allergy zones (5–10 minutes):
Vacuum where allergens collect fastest:-
entry area
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living room pathway
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bedrooms (especially around beds)
If possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
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Bed refresh (2 minutes):
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Smooth bedding and keep it dry
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Avoid storing extra pillows/blankets uncovered (they hold dust)
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Weekly (60–120 minutes)
These are the tasks that make the biggest difference for most households.
1) Dust properly (top to bottom)
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Start with ceiling fans, vents, and high shelves
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Work down to furniture, skirting boards, and floors
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Always use a slightly damp microfibre cloth (not a feather duster)
Pro tip: Rinse cloths often. A dirty cloth just moves allergens around.
2) Vacuum thoroughly (slow passes)
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Carpets and rugs: slow passes in two directions
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Upholstery: cushions, armrests, and under seat cushions
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Edges: along skirting boards where dust builds up
If you have pets, add a quick upholstery vacuum mid-week.
3) Mop hard floors
Use a damp mop (microfibre is ideal). Avoid overly fragranced cleaners if you’re sensitive—simple, low-scent products are often better during allergy season.
4) Laundry that matters most
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Pillowcases: weekly
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Sheets: weekly
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Throws/blankets used on the couch: weekly or fortnightly
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Pet bedding: weekly
If you can, wash bedding on a warmer setting that’s safe for the fabric to help reduce dust mites.
Internal link suggestion:
For more fabric-focused tips, read: How to Remove Dust From Curtains and Blinds.
5) Bathroom mould prevention
Allergy season is also a good time to stay on top of mould spores:
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scrub shower corners and grout lines
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dry wet areas
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keep ventilation running (exhaust fan or window)
Monthly (2–4 hours)
These are the “quiet offenders” that build up without you noticing.
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Wash or vacuum curtains
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Vacuum curtains using the upholstery attachment
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If washable, launder according to care label
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Clean skirting boards and door frames
Dust clings here and gets kicked up by airflow and movement. -
Wipe vents and air returns
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Remove vent covers if possible
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Vacuum dust inside gently
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Wipe the cover and reinstall
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Change or clean HVAC filters
A fresh filter can noticeably reduce airborne particles. (Follow your system’s recommendations.) -
Mattress and pillow refresh
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Vacuum mattress surface
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Consider allergy-proof covers if symptoms are frequent
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If you provide it: Move-Out / End of Lease Cleaning often includes the detailed dust and fabric work people skip month-to-month.
Deep Clean Reset (When Symptoms Spike)
If allergies are flaring, do this targeted deep clean over one weekend.
Allergy Deep Clean Checklist
Bedroom (priority #1)
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Wash all bedding (including duvet cover)
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Vacuum mattress and bed frame
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Dust bedside tables, lamps, and headboard
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Vacuum floors thoroughly (edges + under bed)
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Reduce clutter near the bed (it collects dust)
Living room
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Vacuum upholstery and cushions
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Wash throw blankets and cushion covers
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Dust electronics (TV area attracts dust)
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Vacuum rugs carefully (two directions)
Kitchen
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Wipe cabinet fronts (pollen and grease can hold dust)
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Clean rangehood filter if applicable
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Mop floor with a damp microfibre mop
Bathroom
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Treat mould-prone corners
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Wash bathmats and towels
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Wipe exhaust fan cover
Entryway
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Wash doormats (if washable) or shake/vacuum outdoors
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Mop and wipe walls near the door if dusty
Best Tools and Products for Allergy Season Cleaning
You don’t need a cupboard full of chemicals. You need the right tools.
Must-haves
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Microfibre cloths (damp trapping beats dry dusting)
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HEPA-filter vacuum (helps trap fine particles)
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Microfibre mop for hard floors
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Soft brush or vacuum attachments for vents and blinds
Optional but helpful
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Air purifier with HEPA filtration in the bedroom
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Allergy covers for pillows and mattresses
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Dehumidifier if you deal with damp/mould issues
Avoid during allergy season (if you’re sensitive):
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heavy artificial fragrances
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harsh aerosol sprays
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aggressive dry sweeping that stirs up allergens
Room-by-Room Tips That Make a Big Difference
Bedrooms
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Keep the floor clear near the bed
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Store clothes in wardrobes with doors closed
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Limit extra soft furnishings if allergies are severe
Carpets and Rugs
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Vacuum slowly and regularly
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Consider a seasonal professional clean if allergies are persistent
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If you can’t remove rugs, commit to weekly deep vacuuming
Pets
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Wash pet bedding weekly
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Brush pets outdoors where possible
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Keep pets off pillows and sleeping areas if symptoms are strong
Sample Weekly Schedule (Easy to Follow)
Mon: Bedroom vacuum + wipe surfaces (15–20 mins)
Tue: Living room vacuum + sofa quick pass (20 mins)
Wed: Mop hard floors + bathroom wipe (20–30 mins)
Thu: Dust top-to-bottom (30–45 mins)
Fri: Wash bedding + quick vacuum (30–60 mins)
Sat: Monthly task rotation (curtains/vents/skirtings)
Sun: Reset day (light tidy + air out rooms briefly)
FAQs: Allergy Season Cleaning
Does opening windows make allergies worse?
If pollen counts are high, open windows can bring allergens inside. If you love fresh air, do short bursts at lower-pollen times and clean entry floors regularly.
What’s the fastest way to reduce indoor allergens?
Prioritise the bedroom: wash bedding, vacuum thoroughly (especially edges), and damp-dust surfaces. That alone can improve comfort quickly.
Should I use bleach for mould?
Bleach can help on some non-porous surfaces, but ventilation and safe handling matter. If mould is recurring or extensive, consider professional help and address moisture sources.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It Consistent
The best cleaning routine for allergy season is one you’ll actually keep doing. Focus on:
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damp dusting
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HEPA vacuuming
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bedding + fabrics
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vents + airflow areas
If you’d like, tell me your home setup (apartment/house, carpet vs tiles, pets, how many bedrooms), and I’ll turn this into a custom weekly routine you can copy-paste into your notes.
