Pollen-proof your house
Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes? It must be allergy season, says SAM WYLIE-HARRIS
WHILE some of us welcome beautiful buds on trees, others approach springtime with trepidation. Kicking off with tree-pollen season – now in full swing – mother nature then turns her hand to grasspollen season from mid-May; with weed-pollen season gaining momentum from the end of June... and so the cycle goes.
Our natural instinct is to seek refuge inside, but how safe is your home if you’re suffering from hay fever? Here, experts share their top tips for pollen-proofing your surroundings....
Create a pollen-free zone
“Transforming your home into a pollen-free safe-place is not just about cleanliness; it’s about creating a lifestyle that prioritises your wellbeing, especially during peak allergy seasons,” says Alex Gluhovsky, spokesperson at iWardrobes.
Your bedroom should be free from the intrusion of pollen, advises Alex. “So begin by keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons to prevent allergens from drifting indoors.
“Invest in hypoallergenic bedding to experience luxurious sleep while minimising exposure to allergens – bedding made from materials like organic cotton or bamboo is gentle on the skin and are naturally resistant to allergens.”
Choose allergy-friendly materials for your home furnishings
Alex says that opting for allergyfriendly materials such as leather, vinyl and hardwood for furniture and flooring will reduce pollen retention, compared to fabric and carpets.
“Choose washable curtains and blinds for easy pollen removal and maintenance,” he continues. Alex Williams, from Tiger Cleaning, agrees: “Pollen can make its way into your home and nestle into the fibres of your carpet. “Although hoovering will help, one of the best ways to reduce pollen in your home is to install hard flooring. You can keep hard floors clean with a damp mop.”
Be strategic about indoor greenery
“While indoor plants can enhance the aesthetics of your home, certain species can exacerbate pollen allergies,” notes Alex Gluhovsky. “Some plants release high volumes of pollen into the air, which can contribute to allergies and respiratory issues for hay fever sufferers.”
Think low-pollen indoor plants such as ferns, palms and orchids, as they produce minimal amounts of pollen compared to others, he suggests.
Know when to air your home
“If you don’t know exactly what type of pollen you are allergic to, it can be difficult to know what time your allergens are the highest; however most flowers pollinate in the morning, between 5am and 9am,” advises Alex Williams.
It’s recommended to keep your windows closed at these times and rely on ventilation to keep the temperature down, he adds.
Invest in air conditioning or air purifiers
Air conditioning comes in handy, not just for keeping cool in the summer, but also when it comes to hay fever...
“Rather than cooling your home by opening all your doors and windows, using air con means the air coming into your home is filtered from pollen particles,” says Alex Williams.
Keep your home as clean as possible
Everyday cleaning jobs to keep on top of include hoovering, carpet cleaning, cleaning windows and seals, cleaning hard floors and dusting, suggests Alex Williams. “Changing the way you dust and using a damp cloth instead of a feather duster will help collect more of the dirt and pollen - and stop this from filtering through the air.”