Do Your Guests Bring Allergens Along?

By Lisa D. Ellis

Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

When guests come to visit they will bring with them an array of allergy triggers. Household allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, and mold can easily stick on clothes, hair, and skin.

However, you don't have to become antisocial or send your guests packing in order to steer clear of these household allergens. Take these preventive steps so that you can enjoy their company without ill-effect:

Take an antihistamine or other allergy control medication before your guests arrive.
Avoid physical contact with people who have pets and/or wear scented products if you're severely allergic to these triggers. When you hug or touch your guests, the allergens can easily be transferred.
Ask visitors to stay out of your bedroom. Since you'll likely spend the most time in this area of your home, make it as allergen-free as possible.
If you're at risk for experiencing an allergy attack, ask friends who have pets to shower and change into freshly washed clothes before they come into your home. This will allow you to enjoy their company without any needless suffering.
Before your guests arrive, use a vacuum that contains a High-Efficiency Particulate (HEPA) filter or a double bag to remove allergy particles in your air, on your floors, and in your carpeting.
Place throw pillows and blankets in your drier on high for about 15 minutes to get rid of allergy triggers trapped in their weaves.
Check with your doctor about the effectiveness of using an anti-allergen spray or other allergy-free cleaning products to get rid of allergy triggers that remain on hard surfaces.
Take a hot shower after your company leaves your home to remove particles left on your hair and your skin.
Wash your clothes in very hot water to remove allergens left in the fabric.