Cleaning House for Allergic Guest

Updated on October 14, 2008
I.G. asks from Columbia, MD
5 answers

My college age son found a nice young lady. Her parents are coming for Homecoming and he wants to invite them here for dinner. Problem: her Mom is very allergic to cats - and I have a cat.
Does anyone know how I can "desensitize" my house? I'm planning to vacuum everything thoroughly, and will have the carpets cleaned a couple days before they arrive. Cat will stay in the basement. But I'm not sure that's enough.
Suggestions, please.

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So What Happened?

Hi Everyone, and thanks for good advice. Alas, I don't have a good answer as to how it went, because it didn't. The family that was to visit us had an emergency, and couldn't come for the weekend planned. So, we're looking for a future date. I'll use all your suggestions and I know that when they do visit, we'll have a good time together.
Thanks again.

More Answers

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M.W.

answers from Washington DC on

I., it takes a few years of non-cat occupancy for the dander to be totallly removed from a house. It clings to the walls and floors. You are admirable for the lengths you are willing to go to for your son's future MIL's health, and your efforts will make things a lot better. My suggestion is to do what you intend, notify the allergic person what you are going to do, and ask if she thinks this will be enough or will her allergies still be a problem. If she is not sure, offer to have a nice dinner at a very good restaurant for her comfort and well being.

I have a lot of allergies, and I know that how many problems I have depends on how sensitive I am to the particular allergen. For some things, it's not a big deal, but I could never have dinner in a house where they keep a rabbit as a pet. So give the allergic individual a choice, then if she chooses to eat at your house and has problems, it has been her choice and there should be no hard feelings.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Washington DC on

I'm also very allergic to cats, and I have several friends who have them. Before I visit, my friends have been so nice to vacuum their furniture and carpet, and keep the windows open, which really helps. The best thing though is to make sure there is non-fabric seating options for her. I find that the cat's dander stays in the fabric, and when I'm sitting on sofas or chairs, that's when I'm hit the worst. Depending on the house, I plan ahead and take a benadryl 20 minutes before I get there to take the edge off. good luck!

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N.L.

answers from Washington DC on

Why not just go out for dinner? I appreciate the coziness of a home cooked meal, but she shouldn't be uncomfortable just to get it.

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D.A.

answers from Washington DC on

I am a cat person and go through this quite a bit. besides what you are already doing, change your air filters. Instead of vacuuming your furniture, you may want to have it cleaned professionally with your carpets. Tell them that you need to get rid of allergens from the cat. they have a process for this. Last but not least, get an ionic breeze or two from sharper image. they work great.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Washington DC on

i had the same type situtation. cleaning carpet and all fabrics is great. keep the animal out of area where they will be. also dont forget all the air vents and air filters. i gave the dog a bath and brushed really well before i did all the other. my friend could only stay a couple hours because she could feel herself starting to have a problem.

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