How to Clean a Home for People with Allergies (and Offer It as a Service)

To reduce allergens at home: vacuum with a HEPA filter at least twice a week, dust with a damp microfiber cloth (not a feather duster), wash bedding weekly in hot water, keep humidity between 30% and 50% and use fragrance-free products. This cuts down dust mites, dust, pet dander and mold, the most common household allergens.

The most common allergens at home

Dust mites, pet dander and hair, mold and pollen. They build up in mattresses, carpets, upholstery, damp corners and in dust on high surfaces.

How to clean to reduce allergens

The key is to trap dust, not move it around.

• HEPA-filter vacuum: it holds fine particles instead of blowing them back into the air. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, mattresses and edges.
• Damp microfiber: a feather duster stirs up dust; a slightly damp microfiber cloth traps it. Work top to bottom.
• Bedding: washing it weekly in hot water (at least 130 °F / 54 °C) kills dust mites.
• Mold: dry showers and grout, remove mold as soon as it appears and ventilate the bathroom. More in bleach: dilution and precautions.
• Vents and fans: they collect dust that spreads through the home when turned on.

Products: less scent is better

People with allergies or asthma often react to fragrances and strong-smelling products.

• Use fragrance-free products.
• Avoid mixing products and avoid aerosols: spray onto the cloth.
• Be careful with essential oils: they can irritate people with asthma, and some are toxic to pets.

How to offer "allergy-friendly cleaning"

It's a service many clients look for, and it justifies a somewhat higher price.

1. Ask at first contact whether anyone in the home has allergies or asthma, and to what.
2. Add it to the quote notes in AgendaQuote ("allergic to fragrance, use unscented products") so you see it at every visit.
3. Offer add-ons: vacuuming mattresses, washing bedding, cleaning vents and fans. Create them with your price in Profile → Extras.
4. Protect yourself too: a mask and gloves when cleaning built-up dust or mold.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you clean if someone has allergies?

Vacuum and dust twice a week, and wash bedding weekly. For a client with allergies, a weekly or biweekly service helps a lot.

Is a feather duster good for dust?

Not for people with allergies: it stirs dust into the air. A slightly damp microfiber cloth is better.

Can I charge more for allergy-friendly cleaning?

Yes, if it includes extra tasks (mattresses, vents, bedding) or special products. Explain to the client what it includes.

Save each client's allergies in their notes