How to allergy-proof your home for spring
Spring brings blooming flowers and warmer weather, but for allergy sufferers, it also marks the return of sneezing fits and itchy eyes.
The good news is that a fresh cleaning routine and some strategic prevention strategies can help you keep pesky allergens at bay.
How do outdoor allergens get inside?
Even if you're careful, pollen particles are so tiny, they can easily slip through unnoticed, undermining your efforts.
Allergens can enter your home on shoes, clothing, pet fur and even your own hair, according to Marilee Nelson, an environmental and toxin expert and the cofounder of Branch Basics. They can also enter through HVAC systems or open windows and doors, especially if there are gaps or broken seals, says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid.
A few tweaks to your cleaning routine can go a long way toward keeping your home fresher, healthier and more comfortable all season long.
How to clean to remove allergens
When pollen counts are high, a new (and more frequent) cleaning routine can help ensure your home remains a safe haven. Here's how to target allergens effectively:
Vacuum with a HEPA filter: Vacuum high-traffic areas, rugs and upholstered furniture using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. These filters are designed to capture even the smallest particles like pollen, pet dander and dust mites, according to Mock.
Wet dust: Dusting with a damp microfiber cloth traps and removes allergens, rather than redistributing them into the air like dry dusting often does.
Wash fabrics: At the peak of spring allergy season, prepare to spend more time in the laundry room. Mock and Nelson recommend washing your bedding and curtains at least once a week, as allergens love to settle into soft fabrics.
Wipe overlooked surfaces: Window treatments, baseboards and air vents often are overlooked, but they can accumulate allergen particles over time. Nelson suggests regularly wiping these areas down with a damp microfiber cloth, as they can be a “hotbed of trapped allergens” hiding in plain sight.
Declutter: The more stuff you have, the more places allergens can settle. Decluttering can help reduce buildup on hard-to-clean surfaces like piles of books, paperwork or decorative items, Nelson says.
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How to keep allergens out of the house
Keeping allergens out in the first place can save you time, energy and a whole lot of sneezing. Here’s how to stop pollen at the door:
Seal entry points: Mock and Nelson both emphasize the importance of checking your home's entry points. Keep windows and doors closed on high pollen days, and seal any gaps or leaks where outdoor particles might sneak in.
Stop allergens at the door: Place doormats at each entrance and encourage everyone to take their shoes off at the door to avoid tracking allergens deeper inside. For extra protection, Nelson suggests changing clothes immediately after returning home. If you have pets, groom them outdoors.
Purify the air: To help clear the air, consider using an air purifier with an HEPA filter to help trap airborne particles. Upgrading and maintaining your HVAC filters will help reduce circulating allergens for a cleaner, more breathable home.
Avoid fragrances: For the best indoor air quality, Nelson cautions against using synthetic fragrances. “The synthetic chemicals in fragrance recipes have been found to trigger asthma and irritate the eyes, lungs, nasal passages and entire respiratory system, which heightens your sensitivity to other allergens,” Nelson says.
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Better Homes and Gardens is a magazine and website devoted to ideas and improvement projects for your home and garden, plus recipes and entertaining ideas. Online at www.bhg.com.
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