Last Updated: June 5, 2025
If you share your home with a furry friend, you know the love is real — and so is the mess. Pet dander is one of the most common indoor allergens and can cause real discomfort for allergy sufferers. Whether you’re dealing with sniffles and itchy eyes, or just want a cleaner, healthier space, knowing how to get rid of pet dander is key to improving your home’s air quality and your family’s well-being.
Ready to tackle it? Here’s your comprehensive, room-by-room guide on how to clean a house for pet allergies — without stress.
What Is Pet Dander?
Pet dander is made up of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, and birds. Unlike fur, dander can easily become airborne and settle into every nook and cranny of your home — including vents, furniture, and curtains. Regular cleaning isn’t always enough, especially when you’re trying to reduce allergens. That’s where a deep, targeted approach comes in.
Living Room: The Front Line of the Battle Against Dander
This is where you relax — and where pet dander loves to settle. Here’s how to clean pet dander from furniture, floors, and surfaces:
- Vacuum thoroughly with a HEPA filter at least twice a week. Don’t forget under furniture.
- Use washable covers on couches and cushions to trap and easily remove dander.
- When it comes to cleaning pet dander from couch upholstery, use a handheld vacuum or pet-specific lint roller daily.
- Consider steam-cleaning soft furnishings monthly to eliminate embedded allergens.
Bedrooms: Create a Dander-Free Sleep Zone
Bedrooms should be a sanctuary — especially for allergy sufferers. Here’s how to clean pet dander from your home and protect your sleeping space:
- Keep pets out of the bedroom (we know, it’s tough).
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
- Use allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers.
- Dust surfaces and ceiling fans weekly.
Pro Tip: Replace carpets with hardwood or tile for easier cleaning — or deep-clean rugs frequently with a HEPA vacuum.
Kitchen: Keep It Clean (and Allergy-Safe)
You probably don’t think about pet dander in the kitchen, but it can travel there easily. Try to find another location for your pet’s food bowl and mats, then clean those weekly. Do the following:
- Keep pets out of food prep areas.
- Wipe counters daily
- Wipe cabinet fronts and baseboards weekly.
- Clean floors and under appliances weekly.
Hallways and Walls: Dander’s Secret Hideouts
Yes, dander sticks to walls — especially if your pet loves to rub or lean against them. Here’s how to clean pet dander off walls without damaging paint:
- Use a microfiber cloth dampened with water and mild detergent.
- Gently wipe down high-traffic areas, corners, and door frames weekly.
- For stubborn buildup, a melamine sponge works wonders.
This technique is part of knowing how to clean pet dander from home beyond just what you see.
Bathroom: Often Overlooked, but Just as Important
It’s easy to overlook, but the bathroom collects dander too — especially if your pets enjoy sleeping on the bathmat. To clean:
- Wash bath mats and towels in hot water weekly.
- Wipe down baseboards, shelves, and windowsills weekly.
- Keep the litter box away from vents and clean it daily to control how to clean cat dander specifically.
Laundry Room: Where Cleaning Starts
It’s where you wash all those allergen-covered clothes and pet bedding. Make sure it’s helping, not hurting:
- Clean out dryer vents with each load.
- Wipe down washer and dryer exteriors weekly.
- Vacuum corners and behind machines to trap stray dander weekly.
Don’t Forget the Air: Cleaning the Air Circulating Through Your Home
Dander doesn’t just land on surfaces — it travels through your vents, HVAC system, and even your ceiling fans. That’s why regular filter changes and duct maintenance are essential steps in how to clean a house for pet allergies. Replace HVAC filters every 1–3 months with allergy-rated (MERV 11+) filters and have your air ducts professionally cleaned annually. Also dust your ceiling fans weekly to prevent redistribution of allergens.
Focus on What You Can Control
You may not be able to eliminate every trace of dander, but focusing on consistent, smart cleaning habits can help significantly reduce symptoms. If you’re struggling with lingering allergens despite frequent vacuuming, it’s worth reassessing your approach — or turning to the pros. Knowing how to clean pet dander from furniture and high-touch areas such as the couch and walls makes a real difference. And with the right cleaning support, you can enjoy your pets — without the allergens. See our Pet Cleaning Tips page for more tips, including odor removal.
Can Professional Cleaning Remove Pet Dander?
Yes! Professional cleaning services use advanced techniques and equipment to reach places where dander hides, including soft furniture, baseboards, and tight corners. It’s one of the most effective ways to keep allergens under control. That’s why many homeowners trust cleaning professionals. When you work with your local Molly Maid professional, you’re getting more than a clean home, you’re getting:
- Reliable service customized to your needs.
- Cleaning professionals who bring supplies and expertise.
- A home cleaned according to our Neighborly Done Right Promise® — If it’s not done right, we promise to make it right®.
Don’t Let Pet Dander Rule Your Home
We love our pets — but that doesn’t mean we have to live with constant sneezing and itchy eyes. Learning how to clean the house for pet allergies and staying consistent with your routine makes a big difference. From understanding how to clean pet dander from couch cushions to tackling the nitty-gritty of how to clean cat dander in corners, every effort helps. When life gets busy, trust Molly Maid cleaning services to take care of the mess — and the allergens. Contact your local Molly Maid team today to experience the difference customized service can make.
This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Molly Maid® is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content. Molly Maid services may vary by location. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Molly Maid nearest you for more information and a professional on-site assessment.
FAQs About Cleaning your House for Pet Allergies
Since 1984, Molly Maid has proudly provided a reliable, professional, and affordable solution to a messy, dirty home. Each year, the 450 individually owned and operated Molly Maid franchises performed over 1 million cleaning services, 90 percent of which are repeat customers. Provide the house cleaning services that busy homeowners need also includes using our years of experience and knowledge to answer your cleaning questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about cleaning your house for pet-allergies.
How long does pet dander stay in a house?
Pet dander can linger in your home for weeks, especially in carpets, upholstery, and vents. Regular cleaning with HEPA vacuums and air purifiers can help remove dander more effectively and reduce its presence over time.
What kills pet dander in the air?
High-efficiency air purifiers with HEPA filters are most effective at trapping airborne pet dander. Using HVAC filters rated for allergens and cleaning or replacing them regularly also helps reduce dander in the air.
Can professional cleaning remove pet dander?
Yes! Professional cleaning services use advanced techniques and equipment to reach places where dander hides, including soft furniture, baseboards, and tight corners. It’s one of the most effective ways to keep allergens under control.
Does vinegar get rid of pet dander?
Vinegar doesn’t directly kill pet dander but it can help neutralize odors and reduce allergens. It’s more effective for fabrics and cleaning than to eliminate the dander itself. Vinegar can be used as a cleaning solution on carpets, floors, and upholstery to remove pet hair and odors and it can also be used in laundry.
