With allergy season in full swing, it’s that time of year when a tissue becomes your best friend… as hay fever sniffles start to peak.
And as the wind picks up, defending against high pollen levels can feel like battling the elements; it’s only by retreating indoors that you can get a temporary respite.
But tree and grass pollen have a knack for sneaking indoors; while our homes should be a sanctuary, these annoying symptoms can linger.
Caroline Mills, brand manager at Safestyle, shares some tips here to help protect your space against pollen…
Opening and Closing Windows
Every home needs a breath of fresh air, and windows are our primary defense against the outdoors.
Knowing when to open them and when to close them is crucial for indoor air quality.
“We all want to breathe fresh air, but if we let it in at the wrong time, pollen infiltrates indoors,” warns Ms. Mills.
“Pollen levels tend to be higher in the early morning and early evening.
“During these peak times, try to keep your windows closed. This helps prevent pollen from getting inside,” she advises.
If you must air out the house – and you should to prevent condensation – do it in the mid to late afternoon, when pollen levels often decrease, suggests Ms. Mills.
“Another ideal time to open a window is right after a heavy downpour,” she adds. “Rain clears pollen from the air, allowing you to let in the breeze safely.
Dusting is Your First Defense
There’s a good chance hay fever sufferers have microfibre cloths at hand. “Dusting for pollen is a key element in avoiding sneezes, but there’s a place some forget,” Ms. Mills points out.
As she explains, “Cleaning windows is essential for warding off sneezing: “Cleaning your window frames is normal, but if you have hay fever, the frames are just as important.
“Pollen, dust, and dirt build up in the corners of your window frames and remain there until a breeze disturbs them.
Take five minutes to open your windows and wipe the interior frames, she recommends, paying particular attention to the tracks and mechanisms where dirt accumulates.
“A simple wipe with a damp cloth is enough, but if the dirt is stubborn, use a vacuum with an attachment to suck it up before wiping it.
“If you have a steam cleaner, even better,” adds Mills. “Heat helps dissolve grease, dirt, and grime… and keeps bacteria away.”
By keeping this area clean, you prevent pollen from infiltrating the room every time you open the window.
Curtains, Carpets, and Upholstery
Unfortunately, upholstery fabrics are magnets for dust, pet dander, and pollen, notes Ms. Mills.
“The fabric fibers trap microscopic particles until you sit on them, then send them back into the air.
“You probably vacuum your carpets, but when was the last time you cleaned your curtains?
“Every time you draw the curtains, you shake up the accumulated dust,” she warns.
Fortunately, you don’t need to constantly take them apart to wash them. “Just use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment.
“Vacuum the fabric from top to bottom, which helps remove the superficial layer of dust and pollen without the hassle of a machine wash cycle.
She suggests trying to do this once a week during high pollen season to maintain levels at a reasonable level.
Pollen and Sheets are Natural Bedfellows
While our bedrooms should be a sanctuary from allergens, they can transfer to bedding without us noticing…
As Mills says: “We spend a third of our lives in bed, so make sure yours doesn’t make you sneeze.
“Pollen clings to hair and skin during the day, so it ends up on your pillow at night.
Wash your bedding frequently, ideally once a week, she advises. “A hot wash at 60°C is the best way to kill dust mites and remove sticky pollen residues.
“If possible, avoid drying your sheets outside on high pollen days, as they act as a giant net for allergens,” she warns.
She suggests using an indoor clothesline or tumble dryer instead.
Entering from the Outside
Sometimes, cleaning and decluttering aren’t enough, notes Ms. Mills, and creating pollen barriers can be helpful… especially if you live in a high-pollen area with grassy spaces or lots of trees.
“When you come in from outside, you bring the season with you,” points out Ms. Mills. “Pollen clings to coats, shoes, and bags, so don’t bring these allergens inside.”
If you don’t have an entryway, she suggests setting up a “detox zone” near the front door for shoes and coats.
“By immediately removing your shoes, you prevent pollen from getting into carpets and rugs.
“And if you’ve been on a long walk or gardening, change as soon as you come in – and put your clothes straight in the wash.
Protecting Pets from Pollen
Pets love sniffing outdoors, and you may consider restricting access to certain rooms to avoid spreading pollen, suggests Ms. Mills.
But if keeping your furry friends out of certain rooms isn’t feasible, she suggests wiping their paws and brushing their fur in the “detox zone.”
Ultimately, it’s about preventing pollen from permeating further… and minimizing hay fever trigger factors.
“If you follow these basic principles, you’ll be free to enjoy spring as it should be: fresh air, sunshine, and a lot less sneezing.”
