by
Lawton Brothers
| May 13, 2025
Breathe easier this season with effective allergen control strategies backed by Lawton Bros.
Every spring, as trees bloom and temperatures rise, allergy season kicks into full gear. For facility managers and custodial teams, this presents more than just a seasonal nuisance—it’s a health and productivity issue. Allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander can infiltrate commercial buildings, irritate occupants, and negatively impact indoor air quality.
Fortunately, proper cleaning strategies can significantly reduce these allergens and support a healthier environment for everyone. Here’s a deeper look at five essential ways to minimize allergens in your facility—each supported by a practical tip from the experts at Lawton Bros.
1. Target Entry Points and High-Traffic Zones
Why it matters:
Allergens often hitch a ride on shoes, clothing, and even hair, entering your facility through doors and windows. High-traffic areas like lobbies, hallways, and reception zones can quickly become hotspots for dust and pollen accumulation.
What to do:
Place walk-off mats at every entrance and vacuum them daily using HEPA-filter vacuums. Increase the cleaning frequency of these spaces during peak pollen periods, and use microfiber mops and cloths to trap fine particles rather than pushing them around.
Lawton Bros Tip:
Use a 3-stage matting system—scraper, wiper/scraper, and carpet-style mats—inside and outside of entrances. This reduces up to 80% of contaminants brought into the building. Ask your Lawton Bros rep about matting solutions that align with your traffic volume and layout.
2. Use the Right Cleaning Products—Not Just the Most Popular Ones
Why it matters:
Many traditional cleaning products contain fragrances and chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions, even if they make things "smell" clean. What you need are products that eliminate allergens at the source while being safe for sensitive individuals.
What to do:
Look for products that are certified by organizations like Green Seal or carry the EPA’s Safer Choice label. Choose disinfectants and multi-surface cleaners that are non-irritating and free of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Lawton Bros Tip:
We recommend fragrance-free, low-toxicity products such for facilities with allergy-sensitive occupants. Our team can help you audit your current supply and identify safe, effective alternatives.
3. Maintain HVAC Systems to Limit Allergen Circulation
Why it matters:
Your HVAC system can either help control allergens or make the problem worse by spreading pollen, dust, and mold spores throughout the building. Poor maintenance contributes to the recirculation of contaminated air.
What to do:
Change filters every 1–3 months, depending on system usage and filter type. Clean air ducts regularly, especially in older buildings or those near construction or landscaping areas. Consider upgrading to MERV 13 or higher-rated filters for enhanced allergen control.
Lawton Bros Tip:
Ask us about HVAC coil cleaners and disinfectants like foaming, no-rinse formulas that improve airflow and indoor air quality while reducing microbial buildup.
4. Dust the Right Way—Don’t Just Move It Around
Why it matters:
Dust is a major carrier of indoor allergens, especially dust mites and pet dander. Unfortunately, dry dusting with traditional cloths or feather dusters only redistributes particles into the air.
What to do:
Adopt damp dusting techniques using microfiber cloths and EPA-registered cleaning solutions. Prioritize high and hidden surfaces such as ceiling vents, light fixtures, baseboards, and behind appliances. Regularly clean blinds, window sills, and shelving.
Lawton Bros Tip:
Our microfiber tools use split fibers to capture and hold allergens instead of releasing them. Proper microfiber laundering techniques will help maintain cleaning effectiveness over time.
5. Deep Clean Soft Surfaces and Fabrics
Why it matters:
Carpets, upholstered furniture, and drapes are often overlooked during routine cleaning, but they trap large volumes of allergens. Without deep cleaning, these surfaces can release particles back into the air every time someone walks by or sits down.
What to do:
Schedule quarterly steam cleaning or hot water extraction for carpets and fabric-covered furniture. Use allergen-specific carpet care solutions and spot cleaners. For severe allergy cases, consider replacing carpets with hard flooring where possible.
Lawton Bros Tip:
We offer professional-grade carpet extractors and green-certified carpet cleaning solutions that eliminate allergens without harsh chemicals. Ask us about tools that combine cleaning with HEPA-level filtration for improved allergen control.
Create a Healthier Facility This Allergy Season
Whether you manage a school, office building, healthcare facility, or warehouse, reducing allergens improves comfort, health, and productivity. With the right strategy and the right tools, you can stay ahead of seasonal irritants—and Lawton Bros is here to help.
Need assistance developing an allergen-reducing cleaning protocol?
Contact your Lawton Bros representative or visit www.lawtonbros.com to explore our full range of cleaning solutions, equipment, and training services.