Spring Has Sprung
It is allergy season!
Welcome cherry blossom trees, and other beautiful foliage to another Spring season. Alas, keeping pollen outside may be your best defense against runny noses, watery eyes, and itchy throats so you can enjoy the Spring.
Doormats
Place doormats both inside and outside any entrances to your home. This will help dislodge the pollen from shoes and catch any before it makes itself inside.
Shoes and outerwear
Similarly to putting doormats down, removing shoes and outerwear helps prevent any pollen particles from entering the home. Encourage guests to leave these items by the front door or the garage before advancing further inside. If you want to really make sure you don’t have any traces of pollen on your body, change your clothes and/or shower as soon as you get inside.
Bedding
When pollen settles into bedding, it can trigger allergic reactions even when you sleep. Try to wash your sheets once a week, and use allergen-resistant covers on your mattresses and pillows to prevent pollen from getting into hard-to-clean areas. These will also help protect your mattress from dust mites and help maintain it.
Vaccum
The quality of your vacuum cleaner can make a big difference in keeping pollen and other particles out of your home. Ensure your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter built into it. In addition to vacuuming frequently, try to empty the bag or canister outside to prevent any particles from becoming airborne within the home. The same goes for AC units; replace filters regularly and ensure you are using HEPA filters.
Dust
Remember to dust blinds, curtains, and ceiling plans, as these are places pollen tends to settle. Use a microfiber towel to trap the particles instead of spreading them around further. Moreover, make sure you dust these surfaces from the top and work your way down so that you don’t accidentally contaminate already-dusted areas.
Windows
Despite the lovely weather tempting you to open the windows, it is important to keep windows closed to prevent pollen outside from getting blown inside.
Pets
Pollen is great at hiding in animal fur and sneaking into the house. If your pets spend a good bit of time outdoors, try to bathe them once a week, and brush them off to keep the pollen outside.
Garage Parking
Lastly, if possible, park your car in the garage. This prevents pollen from settling on your hood and possibly getting sucked into the ventilation system.