Spring and summer are the best seasons, with all that blooming flowers, fresh air and sunlight. But, do all of us share the same opinion? Unfortunately, these seasons bring pollen with them – one of the most common allergens that easily finds its way into homes. For some of us, pollen turns these beautiful seasons into a miserable experience because it causes sneezing, itchy eyes and runny noses.
No matter how hard you try not to let the pollen enter your house, it somehow sneaks in. It clings to your clothes, pets’ fur and comes in through the ventilation system. It settles everywhere – on floors, furniture and fabrics all over your house, making the allergy symptoms even worse. Great news is that there are efficient ways to reduce pollen exposure indoors and we will show you how. With a few practical strategies we are going to share, you will create healthier and more comfortable living space.
How Does Pollen Get Inside the House
Unfortunately, pollen is proven to be one of the most persistent allergens found in the home, due its fine, powdery structure. Plants, trees and grasses release it during the growing season so it is basically impossible to hide from it outside.
Although fresh air feels great, pollen enters your home through open windows and doors. You bring it back home on your shoes, clothes, skin and hair, and it clings on your pet’s fur and paws. Another significant pollen entry points are HVAC systems, especially the ones with filters which are not regularly cleaned/replaced. Now when you know how pollen gets in, it is time to find out how to keep it out and get rid of it.
How to Prevent Pollen from Entering the House
Let’s see what are the most effective strategies when fighting against pollen in your living space:
1. Keep Windows and Doors Closed
Instead of opening doors and windows during nice, sunny spring/summer days, use air conditions to circulate fresh air. The final result will be the same, but without bringing in allergens. Create a tight seal on all windows and doors by installing weather stripping. If you need to keep windows open for any reason, use a screen with a fine mesh – this is not an ideal solution but will block some pollen. Check out weather apps daily – many of them provide pollen level updates and act accordingly.
2. Use HEPA Filters in Air Conditioners and Air Purifiers
As mentioned before, pollen can circulate within your HVAC system. The solution is installing HEPA filters in all air conditioners, air purifiers and vacuum cleaners. These filters are effective and can capture up to 99.7% of pollen particles. Also, they will improve the indoor air quality and significantly reduce allergy symptoms by filtering dust, pet dander and mold spores. Remember to clean/replace filters every one to three months.
3. Remove Shoes and Use Door Mats
You should always remove your shoes at the door – this small step will make a huge difference. Place a mat outside and wipe your shoes before entering the house. Choose only washable ones so that you can clean them regularly. Store shoes in a shoe rack placed by the entrance instead of bringing them inside, especially during peak pollen season.
4. Bathe Pets and Wipe Their Paws
If you are a dog or cat owner, brush your fur friends outside the house frequently to remove trapped pollen. Wipe their paws with a damp cloth/towel after each walk and bathe them often during the pollen season. If your pet is short-haired, it still requires regular grooming, although it collects less pollen than long-haired pets.
How to Get Rid of Pollen Inside the House
1. Deep Clean the Home
If you want to remove build up pollen, dust and other allergens from your home, you need to give it a thorough deep cleaning session. Clean every inch of your living space – every surface, fabric and flooring. Clean behind furniture and appliances, wash beddings, rugs, curtains and sofas and vacuum them using HEPA filters. Consider hiring professionals to help you with all these tasks so you can focus on other things.
2. Vacuum Regularly
As already highlighted, HEPA filters will trap microscopic pollen particles. Vacuuming is the most effective method of removing allergens from floors, rugs and carpets and it should be done at least twice a week. Our advice is to always wear a mask during vacuuming – it will prevent breathing in pollen dust.
3. Mop and Clean Hardwood Floors
If the home has hardwood floors, regular cleaning is key to preventing pollen buildup. Combination of a damp microfiber mop, and a wood-safe cleaner showed as the best combination for an allergen-free space and polished and shiny floors. Never sweep floors with a dry broom because it will bring all the pollen back in the air and make things worse.
4. Dust with a Damp Cloth
All surfaces in your household should be wiped with a damp cloth made of microfiber. It can be used for cleaning tables, shelves, electronics and windowsills. Wash the used cloth immediately to prevent pollen from spreading further.
5. Keep Bathrooms Mold-Free
Bathroom surfaces are prone to pollen build-up because of the excess moisture that occurs. It can also cause mold growth, so regular cleaning mold with vinegar or mold-killing products can prevent allergens from spreading. To prevent it, usage of a ventilation fan or dehumidifier showed as the best solution.
6. Establish a Standard Cleaning Routine
Consistency is key! Incorporating standard cleaning habits can help maintain a pollen-free home year-round. It means that you need to do certain things frequently – dusting, vacuuming, wiping down high-touched surfaces and cleaning air vents and HVAC filters. Get used to doing these things as a part of your cleaning routine and you will see the results almost instantly.
Although beating up pollen contamination inside your home seems like a daunting task, the right approach can make things much easier and convenient. If you deploy all these methods, you can improve indoor air quality and reduce the symptoms of your allergy. This advice does not refer only to pollen, but to all the other similar allergens. Don’t be annoyed by the upcoming allergy season – welcome it with a clean, fresh and comfortable home!