How to Treat Pet Dander

According to the National Pet Owners Survey of 2010, 62 percent of households in the United States own at least one pet. Dogs and cats make up the majority of our pets. Most cats and dogs have dander, the animal's sluffed-off skin cells. Many humans are allergic to this dander and have reactions such as itchy eyes or a runny nose.

Things You'll Need

  • Air purifier
  • Damp cloth
  • Damp mop
  • HEPA vacuum
  • Pet brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use an air purifier in the living room and bedroom. These machines clean the pet dander out of the air.

    • 2

      Dust all your household surfaces often with a wet cloth. Damp mop the bare floors.

    • 3

      Vacuum and shampoo your upholstered furniture often. Use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA -- high efficiency particulate air -- filter.

    • 4

      Eliminate carpeting whenever possible and replace it with tile or wood flooring. Dander ends up deep down in the carpeting, making it difficult to remove.

    • 5

      Brush your pet often, especially in the spring when cats and dogs shed the most. Brush pets outdoors to reduce the hair and dander in the house.

    • 6

      Play with your dogs outside as much as possible instead of inside the house. When the dogs run around, they shed more dander.

    • 7

      Wash your bedding and your pet's bedding often. Don't let your pet sleep on your bed if you are sensitive to its dander.

    • 8

      Change the heating and air conditioning filters in the house about every month or so if you own pets. They get dirty faster due to pet hair and dander.

    • 9

      Dander is on your curtains too, so wash them often.