I’m a home expert – six tips to keep your home pollen-proof as allergy season approaches
SPRING has officially started, which means warmer weather is on the way for many parts of the country.
The new season marks the return of lush trees and plants, which also means an uptick of pollen is soon to be in the air.
For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, aka hay fever, spring can be a miserable time thanks to endless sneezing and sniffling.
Although you can’t fully prevent breathing in pollen-filled air, you can take extra measures to pollen-proof your home and hopefully lessen your symptoms.
KEEP WINDOWS AND DOORS CLOSED
While it may be incredibly tempting to let in a spring breeze, those with allergies will only suffer more.
Open windows and doors will let in even more pollen, so it’s best to keep them close to prevent allergy symptoms.
But, according to Safestyle’s Adam Pawson, there is a time you can enjoy a spring breeze with minimal effects.
He said: “If you do need to open windows, try to do this overnight when the pollen levels are much lower and close them again once you wake up.”
CLEAN WINDOW TREATMENTS MORE FREQUENTLY
As the closest barrier between you and the outside air, windows and blinds are likely to become dusted in pollen over the spring season.
So, those with seasonal allergies will benefit from a monthly dusting during the season, according to Helen O’Connor, Product Manager at 247 Blinds.
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She suggested: “If you have roller blinds or roman blinds, just give them a soft dusting and gentle vacuum once a month.
“Venetian blinds or plantation shutters can have a more thorough clean.
“Wipe down each slat using a damp cloth and some washing-up liquid, then finish up with a quick dusting to ensure they’re pollen-free!”
WASH BEDDING WEEKLY
Sadly, those with seasonal allergies are not even safe at bedtime as pollen can stick to bed linens.
A simple trick to removing trapped pollen from your bed sheets is to stay on top of your laundry.
Lucy Ackroyd, Head of Design at Christy, recommended: “To eliminate allergens, put your bed sheets on a hot wash at least once a week.
“If you suffer from heavy night-sweats due to your hayfever or allergies, make sure you change your bedding at least twice a week to keep your fabric feeling clean and fresh.”
CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATTRESS
If you’re constantly washing your bedding and your allergies still won’t let up at night, your mattress could be the problem.
Certain types of mattresses are more prone to dust mites and bacteria, causing allergies to spike.
“The inner cavities of coil spring mattresses can provide a home for dust mites as well as skin cells and mildew which can trigger allergies,” explained Jonathan Warren, a bed specialist at Time4Sleep.
He recommended: “It’s better to opt for a mattress with a solid core such as memory foam or latex so that there is reduced space for allergens to hide!”
WASH SKIN WHEN YOU’RE HOME FOR THE DAY
It may be more obvious to change out of clothes when you’ve been outside, but pollen can stick to your skin too.
Mia Moseley-Smith, a skincare expert at Face the Future, said it’s best to do your skincare routine when your inside for the day.
She explained: “If you struggle with seasonal allergies, it’s important to cleanse the skin as soon as you can to help minimize symptoms.”
BRUSH YOUR FURRY FRIENDS DAILY
Pets are constantly going outside, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that their fur can be home to a ton of pollen in the springtime.
According to Catrin George at Animal Friends Insurance, brushing your pet’s fur once or twice daily is key in reducing allergy symptoms.
She added: “It’s also not commonly known that dogs themselves can also suffer from seasonal allergies and actually share some symptoms with us, including sneezing and watery eyes.
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“So brushing your dog regularly will not only help yourself but also can help reduce the impact of pollen on our pets too.”
In case you’re looking for more tips to combat allergies, there are 10 houseplants to help purify the air in your home.
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