Everyday Habits That Help You Manage Allergies

Jun 30, 2025

Written by: Pacagen Team
Reviewed by: David Zhang, PhD
David is an immunologist, bioengineer, and a scientific advisor at Pacagen.

If you’re tired of reaching for allergy meds every other day, you’re not alone. Millions of people deal with environmental allergies triggered by things like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. The good news? There are simple, everyday habits you can build into your routine that help manage allergies naturally—without always having to rely on medication.

Here’s a roundup of expert-backed, science-supported habits that can help reduce your exposure and ease your symptoms.

Manage allergies

1. Make cleaning a non-negotiable

Dust mites, pet dander, and pollen love to settle on surfaces. Staying on top of cleaning can drastically cut down allergen levels indoors.

Vacuum regularly: Vacuum At least 1–2 times a week using a HEPA-filter vacuum to trap allergens from carpets, floors, and soft furnishings.
Dust with a damp cloth: Dry dusting just kicks allergens into the air.
Mop hard floors: Damp mopping helps capture particles that sweeping alone won’t.
Deep clean seasonally: Tackle hidden allergen hotspots like ceiling fans, curtain tops, and under furniture.
Wash bedding weekly: Use hot water (at least 130°F) to kill dust mites and wash away allergens.
Designate a safe space from your pet – typically your bedroom

2. Control indoor air quality

Your HVAC system and home furnishings could be quietly working against you if you’re not careful.

Change HVAC filters monthly: Even if the manufacturer says 3 months is fine, allergy sufferers benefit from changing them more often.
Use air purifiers with HEPA filters: Position them near beds and pet areas.
Reduce fabric-heavy furniture: Swap upholstered furniture for leather, wood, or metal surfaces that don’t trap allergens.
Declutter: Fewer surfaces = fewer places for allergens to settle.
Allergen-proof your bedding: Use covers that create a barrier against dust mites.

3. Stay on top of pet-related allergens

Living with pets and allergies can feel like a juggling act—but with the right habits, it’s manageable.

Keep pets out of your bedroom: Designate a safe space from your pet – typically your bedroom, give your immune system a chance to rest overnight. “Having a safe spot to rest is extremely important for your immune system to recharge, especially if you are having a bad allergy day.”
— Dr. Andrew Findlaytor, DVM
Groom pets regularly (but not excessively): Outdoor grooming helps reduce indoor dander levels—just don’t overdo it and dry out their skin.
Wash pet bedding weekly: Hot water is your friend here.

4. Prepare for pollen season before it hits

If pollen makes you miserable, a few lifestyle adjustments can help.

Start allergy meds early: About two weeks before your allergy season starts. Always check with your doctor first.
Limit outdoor time on high-pollen days: Especially in the mornings when counts are typically highest.Protect yourself when outdoors: Hats, sunglasses, and even N95 masks can help block pollen exposure.
Shower and change after outdoor time: It’s a simple way to prevent tracking pollen into your home.
Keep doors and windows closed: Especially during peak pollen times.
Don’t air-dry clothes outside: Pollen sticks easily to fabrics.

5. Keep humidity in check

Dust mites thrive in humid spaces.

Maintain 40–50% indoor humidity: Dehumidifiers or air conditioners can help keep moisture levels down, making your home less inviting for dust mites.

6. Neutralize allergens at the source

Sometimes, even with the best cleaning habits, allergens like pet dander and dust mite proteins still linger in the air and on surfaces. That’s where science can give nature a helping hand—without resorting to traditional medication.

Pacagen’s allergen-neutralizing sprays use bioengineered proteins to bind and neutralize allergens like cat allergens (Fel d 1), dog allergens (Can f 1 and Can f 2), and dust mite allergens (Der p 1).

“The allergen neutralizing formula harnesses the power of naturally engineered proteins to precisely target and neutralize specific allergens, making them effective compared to other medical treatments and harmless to the surrounding environment.”
— Dr. Evan Zhao, PhD

Unlike medications that treat your body after exposure, these sprays help reduce allergens at the source—making them an easy, proactive addition to your daily allergy management routine.

The takeaway

Managing allergies naturally isn’t about doing one big thing—it’s about doing lots of small, consistent things that add up over time.

By combining smart cleaning routines, making home environment tweaks, staying ahead of seasonal triggers, and using science-backed solutions like Pacagen’s sprays, you can give your immune system the break it deserves—naturally.